University of Central Florida (UCF) vs UWyoming

Nestled in the heart of Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida (UCF) stands as a vibrant and diverse institution, while nestled amidst the picturesque Rocky Mountains, the University of Wyoming (UW) exudes a charm that is uniquely Western. With acceptance rates of 53% and 91%, respectively, these universities cater to different levels of selectivity. UCF boasts a larger student body, with over 70,000 students, while UW maintains a more intimate community of around 13,000 students. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with UCF excelling in fields like engineering, business, and hospitality, and UW shining in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and education. As you explore the comparison table below, discover the nuances that set these two institutions apart and make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	University of Central Florida	University of Wyoming
Overview
Location	Orlando, Florida	Laramie, Wyoming
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
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	92.0%	76.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	36.4%	96.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1170 - 1350	N/A
ACT range	25 - 30	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	73.0%
Students submitting ACT score	27.0%
Total number of applicants	48,929	5,645
Total number of admissions given out	17,797	5,463
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,090	1,477
Yield rate	39.8%	27.0%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,036 Out of state: $40,135	In state: $21,805 Out of state: $36,355
Average net price	$11,575	$10,452
Tuition	In state: $4,478 Out of state: $19,810	In state: $4,620 Out of state: $19,170
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,670 Meal plan: $4,360	Room/dormitory: $4,822 Meal plan: $6,322
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	90.0% Average amount $10,078	96.0% Average amount $10,164
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $5,240	26.0% Average amount $4,606
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $14,272	5.0% Average amount $14,983

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	59,996 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%	8,869 Men 47.3% Women 52.7%
Graduate students	10,314 Men 40.3% Women 59.7%	2,610 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	8.5%	41.2%
International students	4.5%	4.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	8,182	2,873
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Georgia New Jersey Pennsylvania New York	Wyoming Colorado California Texas Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies	Education Health Professions Business Engineering Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	30:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.9%	60.2%
Dropout rate	9.8%	12.3%
Transferred out	12.0%	24.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,669 Year 2: $125,611 Year 3: $125,487 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,157 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $92,872 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $66,915 Year 3: $73,539 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,304 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,166 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,738 Year 2: $66,369 Year 3: $69,050 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,867 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $69,035 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,336 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $67,823 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,165 Year 2: $55,383 Year 3: $66,607 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,016 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $63,163 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,106 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $61,734

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of Wyoming (UW)?

UCF and UW differ significantly in size, location, and academic focus. UCF is a large, metropolitan university in Orlando, Florida, known for its diverse programs and strong ties to the technology and hospitality industries. UW, on the other hand, is a smaller, land-grant university located in Laramie, Wyoming, with a strong emphasis on natural sciences, engineering, and agriculture. The cost of living and tuition also vary considerably between the two institutions.
Which university is larger: UCF or UW?

UCF is significantly larger than UW. UCF boasts a large student body, while UW maintains a smaller, more intimate learning environment.
Where are UCF and UW located, and how does location impact student life?

UCF is located in Orlando, Florida, offering students access to a vibrant city with numerous entertainment options, including theme parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The climate is warm year-round. UW is situated in Laramie, Wyoming, a smaller town in the Rocky Mountains. Students at UW enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The climate is colder, with distinct seasons.
How do the academic strengths of UCF and UW compare?

UCF excels in areas like engineering, computer science, hospitality management, and digital media. UW is renowned for its programs in natural sciences, particularly geology, zoology, and botany, as well as engineering and agriculture. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specialization differ.
What is the cost of tuition and living expenses at UCF versus UW?

Generally, tuition and living expenses at UW are lower than at UCF, especially for out-of-state students. However, specific costs depend on residency status, chosen program, and lifestyle. It's best to consult the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, room and board, and other expenses.
What kind of student life and campus culture can I expect at UCF and UW?

UCF offers a diverse and active student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. Its location in Orlando provides ample opportunities for off-campus entertainment. UW has a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and school spirit. Students at UW often participate in activities related to the natural environment and enjoy a more traditional college town experience.
What are the admission requirements for UCF and UW?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic background. Generally, both universities require a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation. UCF tends to be more competitive due to its larger applicant pool. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
Do UCF and UW offer similar financial aid and scholarship opportunities?

Both UCF and UW offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The availability and eligibility criteria vary. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.
Which university is better for students interested in STEM fields?

Both UCF and UW offer strong STEM programs, but their strengths differ. UCF is particularly strong in engineering and computer science, with close ties to the technology industry. UW excels in natural sciences, such as geology, zoology, and botany, as well as engineering programs related to energy and resource management. The 'better' choice depends on the specific STEM field you're interested in.
How do the career opportunities after graduation differ between UCF and UW?

UCF graduates have access to a wide range of career opportunities in Orlando and throughout Florida, particularly in the technology, hospitality, and aerospace industries. UW graduates often find employment in Wyoming and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region, with opportunities in natural resources, energy, agriculture, and engineering. Your career goals and desired location should influence your choice.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at UCF and UW?

UW generally has a lower student-to-faculty ratio than UCF. This often translates to smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors at UW. While UCF has a higher ratio, it also offers a wide range of resources and support services to help students succeed.
How do the research opportunities compare between UCF and UW?

Both UCF and UW are research universities, but their research focuses differ. UCF has significant research activity in areas like optics, photonics, simulation, and modeling. UW's research strengths lie in areas like energy resources, water management, and wildlife ecology. Students interested in research should explore the research labs and centers at each university to find opportunities that align with their interests.

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