Texas rio grande valley vs Central florida — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Central florida is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 94.2% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #401-500). Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $22,467 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Central florida for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Central florida is more selective (40.1% vs 94.2% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 985).
Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $50K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $22,467); Central florida offers a larger average aid package ($11,814 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas rio grande valley | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 55.4% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 985 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 12,137 | 55,135 |
| International students | 3% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $67K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 78.9% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $19,827 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,242 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 72% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $14,589 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | — | $30 |
| Enrollment | 31,864 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas rio grande valley or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Central florida. Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Texas rio grande valley or Central florida graduates earn more?
Central florida graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $58K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Texas rio grande valley vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Texas rio grande valley or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 985 at Texas rio grande valley and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas rio grande valley or Central florida?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas rio grande valley or Central florida?
The average aid package is $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley and $11,814 at Central florida.
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