University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40.1%, annual tuition of $6,368, average net price of $10,411, and a national rank of #271 (Grade A-), with a 78.0% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 59,146 undergraduates, and median earnings of $61,355 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, FL. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.3% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 128.2%, roughly 78.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Central Florida Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Central Florida graduates 78.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 72.2% and keeps 92.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Central Florida's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,368 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,452 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,230 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,133 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.3% of University of Central Florida students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $5,816 to $17,681 depending on family income. Use University of Central Florida's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,902/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,681/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $61,355
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,308
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $18,190
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 58.9%
- Employment Rate 82.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Central Florida graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Central Florida vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Central Florida's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Central Florida's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Central Florida graduates report median earnings of $61,355 four years after graduation, +2% above the national median. The 128.2% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 610-680
- SAT Math 590-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 59,146
- Full-Time Students 71.2%
- Part-Time Students 28.8%
- Retention Rate 92.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 78.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 72.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 28:1
How to Get Into University of Central Florida
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Central Florida requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 40.1%, University of Central Florida is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of Central Florida accepts 40.1% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Central Florida undergraduates. Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.3%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 6.1%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.7%
- Biology, General 5.1%
- Hospitality Administration/Management 4.6%
See more majors
- Business/Commerce, General 3.7%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $99,495
- 2. Computer Engineering $99,037
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $92,483
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $89,759
- 5. Civil Engineering $86,452
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $84,789
- 7. Industrial Engineering $83,520
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,872
- 9. Business/Managerial Economics $77,643
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $76,925
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $158,974
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $116,181
- 3. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $102,920
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $100,713
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $98,585
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $97,843
- 7. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $93,343
- 8. Industrial Engineering (Master's Degree) $92,990
- 9. Computational Science (Master's Degree) $90,724
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $87,158
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $99,495—29% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($76,925). Graduate: Engineering-Related Fields programs lead with $158,974 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Central Florida. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 824 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 741 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 527 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 519 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 498 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (52 programs)▼
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Marketing
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Social Work
- Computer Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Economics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Public Administration
- Real Estate
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Journalism
- Architecture
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Philosophy
- Music
- Security Science and Technology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biotechnology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Homeland Security
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Materials Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Master's Degrees (45 programs)▼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Computational Science
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Biotechnology
- Anthropology
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Statistics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Political Science and Government
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Real Estate
- Systems Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Industrial Engineering
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Systems Science and Theory
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Statistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Anthropology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (28 programs)▼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Administration
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Education, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Social Work
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Communication and Media Studies
- Statistics
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Psychology, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 59,146
- Full-Time Students 71.2%
- Part-Time Students 28.8%
- Male Students 46.6%
- Female Students 53.4%
- Caucasian 42.7%
- Asian 7.8%
- Hispanic 31.8%
- Black 8.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Central Florida's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Central Florida's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Central Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Central Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Central Florida has a diverse student body, with 42.7% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Central Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Central Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Central Florida serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #271 nationally with a 128.2% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,411 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $61,355 median earnings. The 78.0% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 92.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Central Florida's Strengths
Ranked #271 with a A- grade, University of Central Florida prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Central Florida excel at providing affordable education ($10,411 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Central Florida's 92.3% retention and 78.0% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($61,355 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Central Florida's 128.2% ROI and $10,411 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 78.0% graduation rate sits 15.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.3% first-year retention is 15.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 128.2% return on investment is 78.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $61,355 run about 2% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $10,411 is roughly $9,668 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 28:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.7% employment rate within three years sits 14.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 32.3% trails the national share by 2.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Central Florida is a public university based in Orlando, FL and earns a A- overall grade. It holds a #271 national ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 92.3% of first-year students return; 78.0% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 72.2%. The reported ROI is 128.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,411 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,133.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,722 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,190 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $61,355 four years after graduation. This is roughly 2% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 82.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 128.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
40.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Central Florida admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Central Florida's acceptance rate?
University of Central Florida's acceptance rate is 40.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Central Florida cost?
At University of Central Florida, listed tuition and fees are $6,368 per year, and the average net price after aid is $10,411. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Central Florida's ranking?
University of Central Florida ranks #271 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Central Florida's graduation rate?
At University of Central Florida, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 78.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 72.2%, and first-year retention is 92.3%.
What are University of Central Florida's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Central Florida report median earnings of $61,355 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Central Florida's student population?
University of Central Florida enrolls about 59,146 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Orlando, FL 32816
- Website www.ucf.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$186.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate8.7%