University of Central Florida (UCF) vs San Diego State University (SDSU)

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Central Florida (UCF) and San Diego State University (SDSU). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UCF, nestled in the vibrant city of Orlando, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of undergraduate programs, including engineering, business, and hospitality. SDSU, located in the sunny metropolis of San Diego, excels in fields such as psychology, criminal justice, and communications. With varying acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and student demographics, the choice between these esteemed universities hinges on your aspirations and preferences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discern which institution aligns best with your academic pursuits and personal goals.

	San Diego State University	University of Central Florida
Overview
Location	San Diego, California	Orlando, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	92.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	37.9%	36.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30
SAT range	N/A	1170 - 1350
ACT range	N/A	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score		73.0%
Students submitting ACT score		27.0%
Total number of applicants	67,660	48,929
Total number of admissions given out	25,646	17,797
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,269	7,090
Yield rate	20.5%	39.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,256 Out of state: $40,136	In state: $24,036 Out of state: $40,135
Average net price	$6,867	$11,575
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $4,478 Out of state: $19,810
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $12,824 Meal plan: $6,344	Room/dormitory: $5,670 Meal plan: $4,360
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	47.0% Average amount $9,026	90.0% Average amount $10,078
Students receiving federal student loan	18.0% Average amount $5,015	20.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $21,638	1.0% Average amount $14,272

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,321 Men 43.1% Women 56.9%	59,996 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	5,163 Men 35.9% Women 64.1%	10,314 Men 40.3% Women 59.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	24.2%	8.5%
International students	5.5%	4.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,514	8,182
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Colorado Texas New Jersey	Florida Georgia New Jersey Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	26:1	30:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.2%	74.9%
Dropout rate	20.5%	9.8%
Transferred out	1.4%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,200 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $87,104 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,225 Year 2: $87,377 Year 3: $85,451 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,870 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $80,004 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,965 Year 2: $65,089 Year 3: $79,350 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,385 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $78,880 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,997 Year 2: $66,318 Year 3: $76,755 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,008 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $75,680 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,000 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $75,014 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,495 Year 2: $62,317 Year 3: $73,021 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,099 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $72,884	Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $135,111 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,940 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $105,950 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,081 Year 2: $76,041 Year 3: $82,681 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,266 Year 2: $63,817 Year 3: $80,838 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,188 Year 2: $67,420 Year 3: $76,084 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,467 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $74,706 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,873 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $73,491 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,142 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $71,339 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,872 Year 2: $58,092 Year 3: $68,273 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,767 Year 2: $56,867 Year 3: $66,145

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Central Florida (UCF) and San Diego State University (SDSU)?

UCF is a large, public research university located in Orlando, Florida, known for its size, diverse student body, and strong programs in engineering, computer science, and hospitality. SDSU is a large, public research university in San Diego, California, recognized for its strong programs in business, communications, and sciences, as well as its proximity to the beach and vibrant city life. UCF tends to have a lower cost of attendance, especially for in-state students, while SDSU offers a more traditional campus feel and a stronger connection to the California job market.
Which university is larger, UCF or SDSU?

UCF is significantly larger than SDSU. UCF boasts a much larger student population, making it one of the largest universities in the United States. SDSU, while still a large university, has a smaller student body.
How do the locations of UCF and SDSU differ, and how might that impact my college experience?

UCF is located in Orlando, Florida, a major metropolitan area known for its theme parks and tourism industry. This provides opportunities for internships and jobs in related fields. SDSU is situated in San Diego, California, a coastal city with a strong economy in technology, biotechnology, and tourism. San Diego offers a more laid-back, beach-oriented lifestyle, while Orlando provides a more fast-paced, entertainment-focused environment. The climate also differs, with Florida being more humid and prone to hurricanes, while San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate.
Which university is known for having stronger academic programs in engineering and computer science?

UCF is generally recognized for its strong engineering and computer science programs. It has invested heavily in these areas and has established partnerships with local technology companies. SDSU also offers solid programs in these fields, but UCF's programs tend to be more highly ranked and have a larger research focus.
What about business and communications programs? Which university excels in these areas?

SDSU is particularly well-regarded for its business and communications programs. The Fowler College of Business at SDSU is highly ranked, and the university has strong connections to the business community in Southern California. While UCF also offers business and communications programs, SDSU's reputation in these fields is generally stronger.
How do the costs of attending UCF and SDSU compare?

Generally, UCF is more affordable than SDSU, especially for in-state students. Tuition and fees at UCF are typically lower than those at SDSU. However, the overall cost of attendance, including housing and living expenses, can vary depending on your lifestyle and choices. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost information.
What is the campus culture like at UCF versus SDSU?

UCF's campus culture is diverse and reflects its large student body. There's a strong emphasis on school spirit and involvement in clubs and organizations. SDSU's campus culture is known for being more traditional and having a strong sense of community. Its location in San Diego contributes to a more relaxed and outdoorsy atmosphere. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to get involved.
How do the research opportunities compare between UCF and SDSU?

Both UCF and SDSU are research universities, offering various research opportunities for students. UCF has a strong focus on applied research, particularly in areas related to technology and engineering. SDSU also has a robust research program, with strengths in areas such as health sciences, environmental science, and social sciences. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
What are the career prospects like after graduating from UCF versus SDSU?

Career prospects after graduation depend on your major and career goals. UCF's location in Orlando provides opportunities in the tourism, hospitality, and technology sectors. SDSU's location in San Diego offers opportunities in technology, biotechnology, defense, and tourism. Both universities have career services departments that can help students find internships and jobs. SDSU's proximity to major California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can also be advantageous for certain career paths.
Which university has a stronger focus on athletics?

Both UCF and SDSU have strong athletic programs. UCF competes in the Big 12 Conference, while SDSU competes in the Mountain West Conference. Both universities have successful football and basketball teams, and offer a variety of other sports. The level of competition and the overall emphasis on athletics are comparable at both institutions.

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