University of Central Florida

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2016 Quick Stats

4000 Central Florida Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32816
Phone: (407) 823-2000
2014-2015 Tuition & Fees
$6,368 in-state
$22,467 out-of-state
Students
52,532 enrolled
45% male / 55% female
Admissions
May 1 application deadline
49.6% accepted

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category
U.S. News rank Category Name
#168Tie
Overall Score: 27 out of 100.
National Universities

More About <em>U.S. News</em> Rankings

Summary

University of Central Florida is a public institution that was founded in 1963. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 52,532, 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 2016 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 168. Its in-state tuition and fees are $6,368 (2014-15); out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,467 (2014-15).

The University of Central Florida is, fittingly, a school that's spread across the middle of the state. UCF is based in Orlando and has 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, because of limited space, 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 American Athletic Conference.

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 and unique qualities (as provided by the school):

UCF Stands For Opportunity: The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is the second-largest university in the nation. Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF and its 12 colleges provide opportunities to 61,000 students, offering 210 degree programs from UCF's main campus, hospitality campus, health sciences campus and its 10 regional locations. UCF was ranked as the nation's No. 3 Up-and-Coming university in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report`s Best Colleges rankings. Last year, Kiplinger's and The Princeton Review ranked UCF as one of the nation`s best values for a college education. UCF, Florida's largest university, promotes a diverse and inclusive environment. Students come from 50 states and 148 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 2014, UCF enrolled 79 freshman National Merit Scholars for an overall enrollment of 275 National Merit Scholars. Both school records. Last year, UCF enrolled more National Merit Scholars and awarded more degrees than any other Florida university. UCF is an academic, partnership 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. In 2013-14, UCF professors received $145.6 million in research funding and have accrued more than $1.1 billion in external grants during the past decade. Distinctive programs extend learning beyond the classroom and include leadership programs, cooperative education, mentorships, internships, service learning and paid research positions. UCF is one of 25 public universities with the Carnegie Foundation???s highest designation in two categories: community engagement and very high research activity. The main campus stretches 1,415 acres and manages 800 acres of natural ecosystems resulting in habitats for more than 45 animal species. 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. On-campus housing includes 11 communities for 12,000 students ranging from first-year to graduate students. UCF Knights won the inaugural American Athletic Conference titles in women's soccer and football and was the youngest university to ever play in a BCS bowl game last year. UCF Athletics football program finished last year ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press Top 25.

General Information

School type public, coed college
Year founded 1963
Religious affiliation N/A
Academic calendar semester
Setting suburban
2014 Endowment $152,717,147

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 49.6 percent.

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

Selectivity more selective
Fall 2014 acceptance rate 49.6%
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 28.5 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 Engineering. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 87.5 percent.

Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 31:1
4-year graduation rate 40%
Five most popular majors for 2014 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 22%
Health Professions and Related Programs 15%
Education 9%
Psychology 9%
Engineering 6%

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Student Life

University of Central Florida has a total undergraduate enrollment of 52,532, with a gender distribution of 45.2 percent male students and 54.8 percent female students. At this school, 18 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 82 percent of students live off campus. University of Central Florida is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

Total enrollment 60,810
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association NCAA I

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Campus Services

University of Central Florida offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, 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

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Cost and Financial Aid

At University of Central Florida, 63.7 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $4,953.

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, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.

In-state tuition and fees $6,368 (2014-15)
Out-of-state tuition and fees $22,467 (2014-15)
Room and board $9,300 (2014-15)
Financial aid statistics

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Overview details based on 2014 data

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