University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, USA. The university was established in 1963. Ranking among the top 150 national universities by US News and World Report, the School is currently home to 70,000 students and is the largest university in Florida by enrollment. This includes 60,075 undergraduates and 9,847 graduate students. International students from 146 countries also apply for admission at the University of Central Florida

Spread over 1400 acres, University of Central Florida main campus is home to 13 colleges offering over 230+ degree programs. Based on enrollment, BS in Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors. MBA at University of Central Florida is also one of the top graduate programs. The University is also known for its research programs. Researchers at UCF received around 200 million USD in 2021 for funded research. 

The cost of studying at the University of Central Florida is also quite affordable compared to other public universities in the USA. Because of this, the University ranks among the top 200 best-value schools by US News and World Report. Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs range between 20,000 USD and 21,000 USD. Admissions is selective at the University of Central Florida. Students applying to Fall 2021 submitted a GPA over 4.25 and SAT score over 1325+. International candidates also need to provide a TOEFL score of 80+. Check: University of Central Student Profile

University of Central Florida Rankings

University of Central Florida rankings as per prominent educational agencies are as follows:

  • #148 in National Universities by US News & World Report 2022
  • #151 in Best Value Schools by US News & World Report 2022
  • #15 in most innovative schools by US News and World Report 2022
  • #51 in top performers on Social Mobility by US News and World Report 2022
  • #801-1000 by QS World University Rankings 2023
  • #601–800 World University THE Rankings 2022
  • #297 US College Rankings THE 2022

The table below also provides a subject-wise ranking comparison of University of Central Florida and University of South Florida:

Subject areas University of Central Florida University of South Florida
Accounting and Finance #251-300

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Computer Science and Information Systems #301-350 #401-450
Material Sciences #301-350 #301-350
Engineering and Technology #346 #401-450
Natural Sciences #396

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Economics and Econometrics #451-500

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Biological Sciences #551-600 #301-350

University of Central Florida Programs

More than 230 degree programs are offered at University of Central Florida across its 13 colleges. This includes bachelor’s degrees in 106 programs, 95 master’s programs, and 31 doctoral degree programs. The university also offers 100+ online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The top 10 majors at University of Central Florida based on enrolment are as follows:

Psychology Biology Biomedical Sciences Integrated Business
Health Sciences Nursing Finance

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Computer Science Mechanical Engineering Digital Media

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  • Based on enrollment, popular undergraduate business majors at the University of Central Florida are BSBA in Integrated Business, BSBA in Finance and BSBA in Accounting, Marketing and Management. BS in Computer Science is one of the most popular undergraduate majors offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science. 
  • Popular graduate programs offered by the college include MS in Computer Science, MS in Engineering Management, and MS in Aerospace Engineering. MBA at the University of Central Florida is also a popular business graduate program. Check: Graduate programs at University of Central Florida
  • The top online graduate programs at the University of Central Florida include MSW in Social Work, MSN in Nursing, PSM in Healthcare Informatics, NNM in Nonprofit Management and MS in Criminal Justice.

The university is a research leader in several fields such as optics and lasers, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, business, public administration, education, hospitality management, healthcare and video game design. Researchers at the University of Central Florida received around 211 million USD in funding in 2021.

University of Central Florida Campus

Spread over 1,415 acres, the University of Central Florida’s main campus is around 13 miles east of downtown Orlando and adjacent to one of top research parks in the USA. Apart from this, the University of Central Florida has satellite campuses located in and around Orlando. Some of these include - Academic Health Sciences campus at Lake Nona, UCF Downtown campus, Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Besides modern facilities and state of the art technology, the main campus at Orlando is also home to an arboretum, woodlands and lakes. The university also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.).

University of Central Florida campus is also home to 650 student clubs and organizations thus accommodating an array of student interests and hobbies. The campus also offers recreational facilities with fitness equipment, track, multipurpose courts and climbing wall. In addition, there are intramural sports fields, leisure pool, lap pool, and volleyball courts.

University of Central Florida Accommodation

At University of Central Florida it is not compulsory for first-year students to stay on-campus. However, students prefer to do so as it enables students to be within easy access of their classes, study spots and student resources. The University offers a limited number of housing hence students are advised to apply as soon as possible.

First-year undergraduate students get preference when it comes to housing on Orlando main campus. However, all students from undergraduate freshmen to graduate students, can apply for housing at the Rosen College Apartments, NorthView or living-learning communities. 

The table below provides the rate of on-campus housing for academic year 2022-23 at University of Central Florida:

Community Price
Apollo Community 2,470 USD - 2810 USD
Greek Park Community 2700 USD - 2800 USD
Hercules/Nike Community 2,835 USD - 3,085 USD
Lake Claire Community 3,045 USD
Libra Community 2,700 USD
Neptune Community 3,000 USD
Rosen College Apartments TBA
Towers at Plaza Group 4,440 USD

On-campus housing at University of Central Florida have shared suite-style and apartment-style rooms. The halls offer amenities such as security, fully furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, individual leases, and 24-hour staff support. International students can also look for on-campus student housing in the USA.

University of Central Florida Admissions

The university invites applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The application form and all supporting documents must be submitted by the stated deadline for each term. Candidates who wish to be considered for graduate fellowships or assistantships should submit their application by the Fall priority deadline (January 15). 

Application Portal: Undergraduate Application or Common App/Graduate Application
Application Fee: 31 USD

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts, graduation certificate or exam results
  • High school GPA (Average GPA above 4.25)
  • Translation of any documents not issued in English
  • Official SAT or ACT score
    • Average SAT score: 1325
    • Average ACT score: 29
  • English language proficiency tests scores (TOEFL-iBT score 80 or above)
  • Application essay

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent
  • GPA of 3.0 or more (on a 4.00 scale)
  • Course by course evaluation of official transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency test scores
    • TOEFL-iBT score 80+
    • TOEFL-CBT score 220+
    • IELTS score 6.5+
  • Graduation degree/certificate
  • Mark sheets
  • GRE/GMAT scores (if required for the program)
  • Resume, Personal Statement and Letters of recommendation (if required for the program) 

University of Central Florida Cost of Attendance

International applicants aspiring to study at the University of Central Florida should plan their overall cost of attendance in advance. It will enable them to calculate the amount of financial aid they need to apply for. The table below provides an estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students for academic year 2022-23 -

Item Costs
Tuition and fees (based on 28 credit hours) 20,980
Books 1200
Room 7,318
Board 4,180
Transportation 1,866
Personal expenses 3,104
Total

Cost of Attendance for graduate students for academic year 2022-23 are as follows -

Item Costs
Tuition (Based on 9 credit hours) 21,504
Books  1200
Room  7,318
Board  4,180
Transportation 1,866
Personal Expenses 3,104
Total

Check: Cost of living in USA

University of Central Florida Scholarships

International students on F-1 or F-2 student visas are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid at University of Central Florida. However, students can complete a Florida Financial Aid application form to see whether they qualify for state-funded financial aid. 

The Office of Student Financial Assistance at the University of Central Florida does not offer any scholarship to international undergraduate students. However, candidates can visit the International Scholarships website to check out scholarships to study in the USA

International graduate students at the University of Central Florida are eligible to apply for tuition support, graduate assistantships and fellowships. These are generally offered by the College of Graduate Studies or a particular college or department.

Also Check: Scholarships at University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida Alumni Network

With over 3,00,000 alumni over Central Florida, the institute rightly boasts as one of the largest colleges. Alumni are provided with Alumni Giving and Career Services, which include Career Assessment and Transition, Resume and Cover Letter, Job Search Strategies, and Networking and Interview Practice.

Some notable UCF alumni are:

  • Nicole Stott - retired NASA Astronaut
  • Daniel Tosh - Actor
  • Glenn Hubbard - Economist
  • Julia Pierson - Former law enforcement official

Some of the benefits provided to Alumni are cash-backs from the UCF Alumni Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card from Bank of America. They are entitled to auto insurance from GEICO, along with life insurance, medical claims, travel insurance, and accidental death insurance, amongst others.

University of the Central Florida Placements

University of Central Florida has maintained a high undergraduate career outcome rate over the years. 41% of students from the undergraduate class of 2021 were either employed or accepted job offers after graduation. 28% of students were also pursuing graduate studies. The median annual salary offered to students graduating from the University of Central Florida is 47,000 USD with a signing bonus of 5,000 USD. The table below provides the annual salary offered based on college:

College Salary
Arts and Humanities 35,000 USD
Business Administration 50,000 USD
Engineering and Computer Science 69,000 USD
Health Professions and Sciences 35,000 USD
Medicine 30,000 USD
Nursing 50,000 USD
Sciences 37,500 USD

Check: Jobs in USA for international students

University of Central Florida also offers a number of services to help students prepare for job search. This includes assistance with resume and cover letter writing and preparation for interviews. The Career team also offers access to Handshake, an online job search portal.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public, research university that aims to provide a better future for its students and society. The school offers innovative learning, research opportunities and hands-on learning experience to ensure academic success for its students and a rewarding career post-graduation. In addition, UCF allows students to make the most of their college experience through events like concerts and shows, plus NCAA sports and cultural events. From Spirit Splash to ‘UCF Celebrates the Arts’, there are endless opportunities to meet new people on campus.

FAQs

Ques. What is the average GPA requirement for admission to University of Central Florida?

Ans. Students admitted in the fall freshmen class of 2020 had an average GPA of 4.18.

Ques. Is University of Central Florida a good university?

Ans. University of Central Florida ranks 160th in National Universities in the U.S. News and World Report 2021.

Ques. Is it hard to get into University of Central Florida?

Ans. University of Central Florida had an acceptance rate of 44% in fall 2019, indicating towards a more selective admission policy.

Ques. What undergraduate majors is University of Central Florida known for?

Ans. The top undergraduate majors at University of Central Florida are Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Finance, etc.

Ques. What are some popular majors offered by the College of Business at University of Central Florida?

Ans. Some of the most popular business majors include Integrated Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Management.

Ques. How much is the tuition at University of Central Florida?

Ans. The international undergraduate tuition fee for University of Central Florida is 22,479 USD. The tuition fee for graduates varies from program to program.

Ques. What is the graduation rate of University of Central Florida?

Ans. The 6-year graduation rate of University of Central Florida is 74%.

Ques. How can students apply for admissions to University of Central Florida?

Ans. International applicants can apply through UCF’s online application portal present with an application fee of 30 USD.

Ques. What are the scholarships available for international students at University of Central Florida?

Ans. The scope of financial aid for international students at University of Central Florida is limited. There are no federal financial aid options for international students. Graduate students can contact their respective departments to know more about financial aid options.

Ques. How can students contact the University of Central Florida?

Ans. Students can contact the University of Central Florida at 407-823-2000.