University of Central Florida

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category

U.S. News rank Category Name #174 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 49,900, 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 2013 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 174. 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 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 58,587 students, offering 177 bachelor's and master's degrees and 30 doctoral programs. Students come from all 50 states and 145 countries. The Princeton Review and Kiplinger's named UCF a best-value university and Forbes named UCF one of the nation's 50 most-affordable colleges. In 2010-11, UCF awarded $408 million in financial aid to students. Twelve colleges, including the newly established College of Medicine engage 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 number thirty-four 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 with 10,276 beds. 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. 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 2010-11, UCF professors received $107 million in research funding. Distinctive programs extend learning beyond the classroom and include leadership programs, study abroad, cooperative education, mentorships, internships, service learning and paid research positions. In 2011, UCF earned The Carnegie Foundation highest designation for research activity.

General Information

School type	public, coed college
Year founded	1963
Religious affiliation	N/A
Academic calendar	semester
Setting	suburban
2011 Endowment	$125,668,734

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 45.0 percent.

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

Selectivity	more selective
Fall 2011 acceptance rate	45.1%
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 32:1, and the school has 26.0 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 86.8 percent.

Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio	32:1
4-year graduation rate	33
Five most popular majors for 2011 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 25% Health Professions and Related Programs 11% Education 9% Psychology 9% Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 5%

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Student Life

University of Central Florida has a total undergraduate enrollment of 49,900, with a gender distribution of 45.6 percent male students and 54.4 percent female students. At this school, 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	58,587
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 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

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Paying for School

At University of Central Florida, 62.3 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $5,847.

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)
Financial aid statistics

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* Overview details based on 2011 data