University of Central Florida logo

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL Public ยท Suburban www.ucf.edu
Accept Rate
39.52%
Grad Rate
75.4%
Enrollment
59,095
Avg SAT
1277
Tuition
$6,368
Median Salary
$58,308
Overall Grade
B-
B+
Academics
A+
Value
B-
Admissions
A+
Diversity
A
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Central Florida feels like a vibrant, sprawling city within a city, pulsating with school spirit and the buzz of 59,000-plus students. There's a palpable energy hereโ€”a mix of ambitious drive and classic Florida funโ€”where school pride runs deep and the campus feels alive day and night.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

39.52%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 127775th Pctl
11901350
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2529
1122436

Admissions Tips

Showcase your involvement beyond grades; UCF values well-rounded applicants with strong extracurriculars and leadership. If you're an in-state student, ensure your GPA meets the Bright Futures requirements, as this is a major financial benefit for many Knights.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1277
40080012001600
School range: 1190โ€“1350

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UCF is a research powerhouse with particular strengths in engineering, health professions, and its renownedๆจกๆ‹Ÿ and training programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and strong ties to local industries, with faculty who are often leaders in their fields.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
15.4%
Health Professions
13.9%
Psychology
9.7%
Engineering
8.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.7%
Biology & Biomedical
5.5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
5.3%
Computer Science
5.2%
Social Sciences
4.1%
Education
3.4%
Criminal Justice
3.4%
Communications
3.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

75.4%
Graduation Rate
92.2%
Retention Rate
59,095
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$6,368
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$10,650
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,819
Cost of attendance/year
33.4%
Receive Pell Grants
24.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Orlando

Orlando offers endless entertainment, from world-class theme parks like Disney and Universal to a thriving downtown with bars, concerts, and restaurants. Students often enjoy weekend trips to nearby beaches, exploring the natural springs, or cheering on the Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Local Rent Check

$1,638 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Orlando
Explore Orlando

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$25,472
$0Est. 4 Years: $25,472

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($58,308):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus is generally considered safe with a visible UCF Police presence and well-lit pathways. However, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in the surrounding off-campus areas and during late-night hours.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Incredible value for in-state students with low tuition
  • โœ“ Massive alumni network and strong ties to Orlando's job market
  • โœ“ Vibrant school spirit and a thriving social scene
  • โœ“ Diverse range of top-tier academic programs

Cons

  • โœ— The large enrollment can make some introductory classes feel impersonal
  • โœ— The sprawling campus size can be a logistical challenge for getting to class
  • โœ— Can be difficult to stand out without being proactive in seeking opportunities

Notable Alumni

Daniel Tosh
Comedian and host of Comedy Central's 'Tosh.0'
Betty White (Honorary)
Legendary actress and comedian who received an honorary degree from UCF
Brandon Marshall
Former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver

Frequently Asked Questions

UCF is widely known for its large enrollment, strong school spirit, and pioneering programs in modeling and simulation. It is also recognized for its top-ranked programs in hospitality management, engineering, and its close ties to the aerospace and defense industries.

UCF has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 39.52%. For context, the middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1170 and 1360. While competitive, its acceptance rate is more accessible than many other top public universities, making it a great target for many strong applicants.

Campus life is energetic and social, fueled by a passionate student body and a Division I football team. With over 650 student clubs and organizations, a state-of-the-art recreation center, and a bustling student union, there is always something happening on campus or in the nearby College Park neighborhood.

For in-state students, UCF is an outstanding financial investment. The combination of low tuition, a high graduation rate, and strong post-graduation earnings results in an excellent return on investment. Out-of-state students should carefully weigh the higher tuition against the value of the degree and the strong job market in Orlando.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Orlando Health Nemours Children's Hospital Lockheed Martin Walt Disney World NASA
Smart Start Score
73

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 68,470
  • In-State Tuition $6,368
  • Out-of-State $22,467
  • Zip Code 32816

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 45.7% โ™€ 54.3%

The Money Talk

With a remarkably low in-state tuition and a high average net price that is still competitive, UCF offers an exceptional return on investment for Florida residents. The strong 10-year median earnings of $58,308, combined with the high retention and graduation rates, make this degree a financially savvy choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of South

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $6,368
Housing (12 mo) $19,656
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $33,224
With avg financial aid:
$10,650/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.