University of Central Florida (UCF) vs. University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to UCF or USF?“
University of Central Florida (UCF)
University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| University of Central Florida (UCF) | University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $6,368 | $6,410 |
| Net Price | $14,221 | $11,232 |
| Average Financial Aid | $2,810 | $4,752 |
| Total Undergraduates | 54091 | 30282 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1080 - 1270 | 1070 - 1270 |
| Acceptance Rate | 49 | 45 |
| Location | 4000 Central Florida Blvd | 4202 East Fowler Ave |
| City Name | Orlando | Tampa |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Orlando and Tampa. UCF is in a South Atlantic and USF is in a South Atlantic - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is University of Central Florida (UCF) or University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, University of Central Florida (UCF) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do UCF Dorms Compare to housing Options at USF?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. UCF charges for on-campus living, while USF charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
UCF and USF student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| University of Central Florida (UCF), % | USF,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 53.25 | 51.370000000000005 |
| Hispanic | 24.04 | 20.78 |
| Black | 11.219999999999999 | 10.68 |
| Foreign | 1.08 | 5.19 |
| Others | 10.4 | 11 |
How different is the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus compared to University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) campus?
The UCF campus is located in Orlando, FL and is characterized as Suburb: Large (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of 250,000 or more). The USF campus is located in Tampa, FL and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
UCF provides $2,810 whereas USF provides an average of $4,752.
How does UCF academics compare to USF?
When analyzing academics between University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | UCF | USF |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | N/A | 129 |
| Architecture and related services | 43 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 2 | 12 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 562 | 469 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 371 | 232 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 999 | 530 |
| Education | 1051 | 336 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: University of Central Florida (UCF) or University of South Florida-Main Campus (USF)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between UCF and USF. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does UCF social life compare to USF?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how UCF social life differs from USF.
Check here.
Check here.