University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816
The University of Central Florida is a public university in FL, founded in 1963, and offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees for undergraduates and Master’s and Doctoral degrees for graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment is 61,456, and the graduate enrollment is 11,727. The University of Central Florida is a moderately selective school, receiving 47,957 applications and accepting 44.4% of applicants. The University of Central Florida’s athletics teams compete at the club, intramural, and varsity levels. Additionally, the University of Central Florida employs 1,632 full-time instructional staff (85% of whom hold doctorate degrees) and has a 31:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
ESSAYS
Applicants applying to the University of Central Florida will apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Applicants may respond to university-specific supplemental questions to help the admissions officers learn more about their experiences, although this is optional.
Deadlines For Submitting Applications
Regular Decision Application Deadline
May 1st
ATTENDANCE FACTORS
- Academic GPA - Very Important
- Rigor of Secondary School Record - Very Important
- Standardized Test Scores - Very Important
- Application Essay - Important
- Class Rank - Considered
Average Acceptance Rate
44.40%
STUDENT LIFE
The University of Central Florida might be young, but it’s also very popular. Founded in 1963, this public institution now boasts the second-largest student body of any public university in the country, at 70,000+ enrollees. Students here choose from 220+ degree programs spread out over 13 schools and colleges, including the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the Burnett Honors College. University of Central Florida admissions touts many of its other national rankings. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the 20th most innovative university in the country. Its graduate degree in Nonprofit Management ranks 13th in the nation according to the same publication. Located in Orlando, students here enjoy near year-round warm weather and proximity to some of the best vacation destinations around.
Housing
First-year students are given preference for housing at the University of Central Florida, but students of all years, including graduate students, can apply to live on campus. Most housing is suite or apartment-style, and all utilities are included in the price. Other amenities featured are 24-hour staff support and proximity to everything on campus. Dining is plentiful on campus, and students can walk to off-campus dining options as well. Speaking of off-campus, for most students who take this option, a car will be necessary for commuting to class and getting around Orlando. Get to know all your housing and dining options during the University of Central Florida admissions counseling process. And while you’re at it, ask them why the university is designed largely as a set of concentric circles.
Life as a Student
Student-athletes at the University of Central Florida compete as the Knights, in NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s sports. Less competitive students who still want to stay active can find intramural sports teams, top-quality fitness facilities, and group fitness classes right on campus. You can also join one (or more) of the 650+ student organizations and clubs that operate on campus. Take a cooking class, get help crafting a winning resume, or volunteer with a community service program. And don’t forget, this is Florida – there’s plenty of sunshine and the beach is a short drive both west and east of the city. Empowerly’s University of Central Florida application counseling program can help you navigate the process of joining this exceptionally popular public university.
TOP MAJORS
Liberal Arts and Humanities
Psychology
Nursing
Health Service Preparatory Studies
Business
Hospitality and Tourism Management
SERVICES
Health and Safety
- 24-hour security trained security on campus
- Late night ride/safe escort service available
Student Services
- Health Center
- Legal Advice
- Psychological Counseling
- Women's Center
Athletics
Varsity
Varsity
Badminton
Baseball
Bowling
Basketball
Football
Golf
Racquetball
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball
Badminton
Bowling
Basketball
Cheerleading
Golf
Racquetball
Rowing
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Cross-Country Running
Club
Club
Triathlon
Equestrian Sports
Fencing
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rock Climbing
Rowing
Rugby
Sailing
Swimming and Diving
Table Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Water Polo
Wrestling
Triathlon
Equestrian Sports
Golf
Lacrosse
Rock Climbing
Rugby
Sailing
Swimming and Diving
Table Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Water Polo
Wrestling
Intramural
Intramural
Badminton
Baseball
Bowling
Basketball
Racquetball
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball
Badminton
Bowling
Basketball
Golf
Racquetball
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
*All costs below are estimates and may differ based on your circumstances.
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State) - $20,980
- Books - $1,200
- Room - $7,318
- Board - $4,180
- Transportation - $1,866
- Personal Expenses - $3,104
- Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (Out-of-State) - $38,648
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP / AFFILIATES
HISTORY
The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is located in Orange County, Florida. Interestingly enough, this university was founded in part due to the need for higher education institutes on the “Space Coast”; the United States was committed to getting a crewed space flight to the moon during the 1960s, so Central Florida, due to its proximity to Cape Canaveral, was in the spotlight (giving it the title of Space Coast). So, the legislature passed a bill into law that would authorize the Florida Board of Regents the ability to build a new university in East Central Florida with the mission of educating students for “space-age careers” in engineering and tech, and the Florida Technological University was born.
The land for the university was purchased in 1964 by the Board of Regents, and local residents donated an additional 227 acres of land. The first president of the university, Charles Millican, was appointed the following year and construction for the university’s layout began shortly after. Finally, the university was opened in 1968, and 1,948 students were enrolled within the first year. By 1978, the university had multiplied, and the state governor decided to change the name to the University of Central Florida, which it is known for today.
Today, the University of Central Florida is ranked #137 nationally by U.S. News Best Colleges and provides students with the opportunity to study from over 230 degree programs over 13 colleges. The university is moderately selective, with a 44.4% acceptance rate, so students looking to apply to the university should aim for a 4.05 average GPA, and a 1259 average SAT score to have the best chances at acceptance. Famous alumni of the University of Central Florida include comedian Daniel Tosh, rapper Plies, actress Cheryl Hines, and basketball player Marcus Jordan.