Is Arizona State or UCF more affordable for out-of-state students?

For most out-of-state students, the University of Central Florida will have the lower total cost of attendance.

UCF is especially attractive for a student paying close to the standard nonresident rate and planning to use campus housing or a reasonably priced shared apartment. Its location does not make it inexpensive in every circumstance, but its baseline tuition is the main advantage. Students should also price their particular major, since some programs carry separate course, lab, or program fees.

ASU can become competitive when a student receives a meaningful merit scholarship or another institutional award. Those awards can reduce the higher nonresident tuition considerably, but they should be treated as part of the comparison only after confirming the annual amount, renewal requirements, and whether the scholarship applies. ASU’s cost also varies by campus, housing choice, and program, with Tempe-area off-campus rents sometimes adding pressure to the budget.

Compare each school’s current official cost-of-attendance estimate for your exact campus and program, then subtract only guaranteed renewable scholarships. Include airfare or driving costs, health insurance if required, meal plan choices, and the likelihood of needing summer housing.