University of Central Florida (UCF) vs ERAU Worldwide

When it comes to higher education, University of Central Florida (UCF) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU-Worldwide) stand out as two exceptional institutions with unique offerings. UCF, a public research university, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while ERAU-Worldwide, a private university, specializes in aviation and aerospace education. With acceptance rates of 53% and 100% respectively, both universities offer accessible pathways to higher education. While UCF's popular majors include business, engineering, and health professions, ERAU-Worldwide excels in aviation, engineering, and business. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and career goals.

	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide	University of Central Florida
Overview
Location	Daytona Beach, Florida	Orlando, Florida
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	64.0%	92.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	69.6%	36.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	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	1,278	48,929
Total number of admissions given out	889	17,797
Admitted students who chose to enroll	518	7,090
Yield rate	58.3%	39.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$25,100	In state: $24,036 Out of state: $40,135
Average net price	$15,600	$11,575
Tuition	$10,728	In state: $4,478 Out of state: $19,810
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $5,670 Meal plan: $4,360
Available payment plans		Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	36.0% Average amount $4,771	90.0% Average amount $10,078
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $5,756	20.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $15,000	1.0% Average amount $14,272

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,394 Men 85.2% Women 14.8%	59,996 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	3,326 Men 73.6% Women 26.4%	10,314 Men 40.3% Women 59.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	88.2%	8.5%
International students	4.5%	4.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	8,182
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Florida North Carolina Texas Georgia	Florida Georgia New Jersey Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Transportation and Logistics Business Computer and Information Science Automotive Technology Engineering	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	30:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	19.4%	74.9%
Dropout rate	74.2%	9.8%
Transferred out	N/A	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,654 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $88,105 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,606 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,896 Year 2: $77,039 Year 3: $84,059 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,540 Year 2: $65,080 Year 3: $77,320 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,961 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $72,560 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,141 Year 2: $59,314 Year 3: $65,858 Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,995 Year 2: $48,833 Year 3: $61,969 Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,792 Year 2: $40,667 Year 3: $55,183 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,436 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: N/A Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,610 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU-Worldwide)?

UCF is a large, public, comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs, from engineering and sciences to arts and humanities, with a strong emphasis on campus life and research. ERAU-Worldwide, on the other hand, is a primarily online institution focused specifically on aviation and aerospace-related fields, catering to working professionals and students seeking flexible learning options. UCF offers a traditional campus experience, while ERAU-Worldwide provides a highly specialized and accessible education for those in or aspiring to be in the aviation industry.
Which university is better for someone interested in a broad range of academic disciplines?

UCF is the better choice if you're interested in exploring a wide variety of academic disciplines. It offers a vast selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across numerous colleges, allowing you to pursue interests beyond aviation and aerospace. ERAU-Worldwide's focus is much narrower.
Which university is better for someone specifically interested in aviation or aerospace?

ERAU-Worldwide is the clear choice for students solely focused on aviation and aerospace. Its curriculum is tailored to these fields, offering specialized degrees and industry-relevant training. While UCF has some aerospace-related programs, ERAU-Worldwide's expertise and reputation in this area are unmatched.
How do the learning environments differ between UCF and ERAU-Worldwide?

UCF offers a traditional, in-person learning environment with large lecture halls, smaller discussion sections, and extensive on-campus resources. ERAU-Worldwide primarily offers online courses, providing flexibility and convenience for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments. ERAU-Worldwide also has a network of campuses and learning centers, but the core experience is online.
What is the difference in cost between attending UCF and ERAU-Worldwide?

Generally, UCF is more affordable for in-state students due to its public university status. ERAU-Worldwide's tuition can be higher, especially for out-of-state students, but it's important to compare the specific program costs and available financial aid at both institutions. Also, consider the cost of living, which may be lower if you are studying online with ERAU-Worldwide and not relocating to a campus.
How does campus life compare between UCF and ERAU-Worldwide?

UCF boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, sports teams, and on-campus events. ERAU-Worldwide, being primarily online, offers a different type of community engagement through online forums, virtual events, and regional chapters. If you're looking for a traditional college experience with extensive on-campus activities, UCF is the better option. If you prefer a more flexible and self-directed learning environment, ERAU-Worldwide may be a better fit.
What are the career prospects like after graduating from UCF versus ERAU-Worldwide?

UCF graduates have diverse career opportunities across various industries, reflecting the university's broad range of programs. ERAU-Worldwide graduates are highly sought after in the aviation and aerospace industries, with specialized skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to these fields. Your career prospects will largely depend on your chosen field of study and your career goals.
Which university is better for working professionals?

ERAU-Worldwide is specifically designed for working professionals. Its online format and flexible scheduling options allow students to pursue their education while maintaining their careers. While UCF offers some online programs, ERAU-Worldwide's focus on flexibility and its specialized aviation and aerospace curriculum make it a more suitable choice for working professionals in those fields.
Does UCF offer aviation programs?

Yes, UCF offers some aviation-related programs, primarily through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. However, these programs are generally more focused on the engineering and technical aspects of aerospace rather than pilot training or aviation management. For comprehensive aviation-specific programs, ERAU-Worldwide is the stronger choice.
How do the research opportunities compare between UCF and ERAU-Worldwide?

UCF is a major research university with extensive research facilities and opportunities across various disciplines. ERAU-Worldwide also conducts research, particularly in aviation and aerospace-related areas, but its research focus is narrower than UCF's. If you're interested in a wide range of research opportunities, UCF is the better option. If your research interests are specifically in aviation or aerospace, ERAU-Worldwide may be a good fit.

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