University of Central Florida

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Quick Stats
4000 Central Florida Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32816

[map]
Phone: (407) 823-2000
2011-2012 Tuition
$5,584
in-state
$21,063
out-of-state
Students
47,580
enrolled
46%
male /
54%
female
Admissions
May 1
application deadline
46.4%
accepted

More Information

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category
U.S. News rank Category Name
#177 National Universities

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Summary

University of Central Florida is a public institution that was founded in 1963. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 47,580, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,415 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Central Florida's ranking in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 177. Its in-state tuition and fees are $5,584 (2011-12); out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,063 (2011-12).

The University of Central Florida is, fittingly, a school that’s spread across the middle of the state. Though the school is based in Orlando, there are more than 10 regional campuses in locations including Daytona Beach, Ocala, and South Lake. Freshmen at the Orlando campus are not required to live on campus and, due to limited spaces, those who hope to are encouraged to apply early for housing. There are more than 40 fraternities and sororities in the school’s large Greek system, as well as more than 300 other student organizations to consider joining. The UCF Knights compete in the NCAA Division I Conference USA.

The University of Central Florida has many programs for graduate students, too, including those through the College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Education. Notable alumni of the University of Central Florida include Cheryl Hines, an actress who starred in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm; comedian Daniel Tosh, star of Comedy Central’s Tosh.0; and former soccer player Michelle Akers, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

School mission (as provided by the school):

UCF Stands For Opportunity:
The University of Central Florida is a major metropolitan research university located in one of the most popular cities in the world. In 2010, UCF opened the School of Performing Arts in the new Performing Arts Center. And in 2011, UCF became one of 40 public universities with The Carnegie Foundation's highest designation in two categories: community engagement and research activity.
Twelve colleges, including the newly established College of Medicine, engage more than 56,000 students that attend classes on UCF's main Orlando campus and its 10 regional campuses.

UCF offers 216 degree programs and is an academic and research leader in numerous fields, such as optics, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, business administration, education, the sciences including biomedical sciences, hospitality management and digital media.

UCF ranks in the top 50 universities nationwide for the number of National Merit Scholars of first-time-in-college students.

The main campus stretches 1,415-acres and provides modern facilities. The Health Center is a full-service health clinic with on-site professionals, X-ray capabilities, dental services, a pharmacy, a medical laboratory and physical therapy services.

The Student Union has computer labs, study lounges, ballrooms and meeting rooms, popular eating establishments and a small shopping mall. Students also enjoy a 149,000-square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center complete with a three-story climbing wall, an indoor track and fitness equipment.

The main campus manages 800 acres of natural ecosystems resulting in habitats for more than 45 animal species.

Housing includes on-campus residence halls and affiliated apartments for 7,800 students. And the 10,000-seat UCF Arena and a 45,000-seat on-campus football stadium were opened in 2007.

UCF promotes a diverse and inclusive environment. Students come 50 states and 141 countries. Study abroad programs allow students to study and conduct research with 98 institutions in 36 countries. Students at UCF have been recognized throughout the world and include recipients of the Rhodes, Mellon and Goldwater scholarships.

In 2009-10, UCF professors received $133 million in research funding and have accrued $1.05 billion in research-related funding since 2000. Distinctive programs extend learning beyond the classroom and include leadership programs, study abroad, cooperative education, mentorships, internships, service learning and paid research positions.

General Information

School type public, coed college
Year founded 1963
Religious affiliation N/A
Academic calendar semester
Setting suburban
2010 Endowment $102,098,144

Applying

When applying to University of Central Florida, it's important to note the application deadline is May 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due May 1. The application fee at University of Central Florida is $30. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 46.4 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

Selectivity more selective
Fall 2010 acceptance rate 46%
Application deadline May 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by May 1

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at University of Central Florida is 31:1, and the school has 28.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Central Florida include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Education; Psychology; and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 86.0 percent.

Class sizes
Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 31:1
4-year graduation rate 34% - Medium
Five most popular majors for 2010 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 26%
Health Professions and Related Programs 11%
Education 10%
Psychology 9%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 6%

More About Academic Life

Student Life

University of Central Florida has a total undergraduate enrollment of 47,580, with a gender distribution of 45.6 percent male students and 54.4 percent female students. 15.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 85.0 percent of students live off campus. University of Central Florida is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

See what students are saying about life at University of Central Florida.

Total enrollment 56,235
Student gender distribution
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association NCAA I

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Campus Info & Services

University of Central Florida offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, day care, health service, and health insurance. University of Central Florida 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, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at University of Central Florida.

Students who have cars on campus N/A
Health insurance offered Yes
Students required to own/lease a computer No

More About Campus Info & Services

Paying for School

At University of Central Florida, 57.0 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $5,761.

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.

In-state tuition and fees $5,584 (2011-12)
Out-of-state tuition and fees $21,063 (2011-12)
Room and board $9,063 (2011-12) - Medium
Financial aid statistics
Financial aid statistics

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Student Reviews

UCF is young, very young, almost too young. I tell people all the time at my job in Disney that I attend UCF and they reply "wheres that?" I think if wait about 30 years we'll make a great name for ourselves. We need some alumni to go out there and say "Hey I went to UCF and look at me now." My grandma doesn't even know what college I go to! Could be Alzheimer's though, who knows? Theres a lot of white people here, which is weird I guess. I'm so accustom to South Florida and it's diversity, so coming onto campus and seeing a bunch of white kids was quite a culture shock. I think in terms of college pride, traditions, and academics UCF is actually pretty boring. Sure we have spirit splash, but jumping into a knee deep hole can only go so far. I think this is due to our adolescences as a university. Eventually something interesting will happen.

Patrick Freshman

The school's population is just right. I spend most of my time in the union, library, and class. LOTS of school pride.

Anne Senior

Big school, lots of options for majors, classes, housing, extracurriculars, friends, everything. I lived off campus and rarely stayed on it for more than my basic classes, however, I was all over the city.

kieieiu Sophomore

More student reviews

* Overview details based on 2010 data

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