West virginia 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 89% acceptance). Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #401-500). Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $56K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $28,608 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 West virginia for: a larger aid package.
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 89% acceptance); Central florida has a higher median SAT (1269 vs 1122).
Central florida graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($58K vs $56K); Central florida has a higher 6-year graduation rate (78% vs 64.7%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $28,608); West virginia offers a larger average aid package ($16,730 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 55,135 |
| International students | 5% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 63% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $65 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Central florida. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do West virginia or Central florida graduates earn more?
Central florida graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $58K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Central florida?
Central florida ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Central florida?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $11,814 at Central florida.
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