Exploring Student Numbers At The University Of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a large public research university with a diverse student body. As of fall 2023, UCF has a total undergraduate enrollment of 59,548 students, with 54.8% of students identifying as female and 50% of students identifying as minorities. UCF is spread across the state of Florida, with its main campus in Orlando and more than 10 regional campuses in locations including Daytona Beach, Ocala, and South Lake. The university offers over 230 degree programs and is particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, hospitality management, and video game design.

Undergraduate vs graduate enrolment

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a large university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 59,548 as of Fall 2023. This makes UCF the largest university in the nation in terms of undergraduate enrollment. The university also has a significant graduate student population, with 9,688 graduate students as of Fall 2024.

UCF offers a wide range of academic programs, with 111 bachelor's, 98 master's, 33 doctoral, 3 specialist, and 3 professional degree programs. The university's enrollment profile is classified as "High Undergraduate," indicating a larger proportion of undergraduate students compared to graduate students.

The undergraduate population at UCF is diverse, with students coming from all 50 states and over 150 countries. The student body is predominantly female, with women making up 54.8% of the undergraduate population. UCF also has a significant number of minority students, with 50% of undergraduates identifying as minorities.

The university provides various resources and support services to its large undergraduate population. Each undergraduate student is assigned an Academic Success Coach (ASC) who offers guidance and support from orientation to graduation. The university also offers hundreds of social clubs, organizations, and academic resources to enhance the student experience.

In contrast, the graduate student population at UCF is smaller but still diverse. While specific demographic information for graduate students is limited, UCF's overall student body includes individuals from all 50 states and over 150 countries. Graduate students at UCF have access to a range of master's and doctoral programs, as well as specialist and professional degree options.

UCF's graduate programs are highly regarded, with the university ranked among the top 25 computer science programs in the nation for 2025 by cyberdegreesedu.org. The university's commitment to graduate education is evident through its various colleges offering graduate programs, such as the College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Education.

In summary, UCF has a significant undergraduate enrollment that outnumbers its graduate student population. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and resources to support the large undergraduate student body. At the same time, UCF also provides a robust selection of graduate programs and fosters a diverse and inclusive environment for its graduate students.

Student demographics

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a diverse and inclusive university, recognised by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-serving institution. It is also proud to have one in five students be the first in their family to attend college.

UCF is a large university with an undergraduate enrollment of 59,548 as of Fall 2023. The university has a total enrollment of nearly 70,000 students, including 9,688 graduate students and 481 M.D. students. UCF is the largest university by enrollment in Florida and one of the largest in the nation.

UCF's student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 150 countries. 51.5% of students are minorities, and 30.2% are Hispanic. The most common ethnicity is White/Caucasian (43.5%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (29.2%). 54.8% of students are female, and 45.2% are male.

The average age of UCF students is 21 years.

UCF's freshman class of Fall 2024 had an average SAT score of 1342 and an average high school GPA of 4.22. 34% of accepted applicants were in the top 10% of their graduating class, and 72% were in the top quarter.

UCF's acceptance rate for first-time-in-college freshmen has declined from 61% in Fall 2005 to 42% in Fall 2020. The university follows a competitive admissions policy, with acceptance depending on the qualifications and number of applicants for a given term.

Academics

UCF offers over 230 degree programs through 13 colleges. The university awarded more than 18,000 degrees in 2024, including 1111 bachelor's, 98 master's, 33 doctoral, 3 specialist, and 3 professional degree programs.

The three largest undergraduate units by enrollment are the College of Sciences, the College of Business Administration, and Health Professions and Sciences.

Campus Life

UCF offers hundreds of social clubs and organisations, with over 400 registered student organisations, intramural sports, and an active Student Government Association. Greek life is also present on campus, with over 40 fraternities and sororities.

The university encourages student activism and provides various resources and support services for non-traditional students. UCF offers on-campus housing, with about 12% of students taking advantage of this option. The main campus spans 1,415 acres and includes natural ecosystems that are home to various animal species.

Tuition fees

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university with its main campus in Orange County, Florida. It is one of the largest universities in the nation by enrollment, with nearly 70,000 students as of Fall 2024.

UCF's tuition fees vary depending on whether a student is a Florida resident or not. For the 2020-2021 academic year, undergraduate tuition costs were:

• $212.28 per credit hour for in-state students
• $748.89 per credit hour for out-of-state students

The yearly cost for undergraduates is estimated to be $18,024 for Florida residents and $22,467 for non-residents. These costs are based on 28 credit hours, which is the average number of credits taken by students each academic year.

The tuition fees for graduate students are higher and are as follows:

• $369.65 per credit hour for in-state students
• $1,194.05 per credit hour for out-of-state students

The yearly cost for graduate students is estimated to be $22,072 for Florida residents and $38,878 for non-residents.

It is important to note that these costs do not include room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, which can vary for each student.

UCF also offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students with the cost of their education. In fact, 71% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and 57% graduated with no educational debt in 2024. Kiplinger and Forbes consistently rank UCF among the nation's best values for education.

Student housing

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a range of student housing options to accommodate its large student body. UCF is the largest university in Florida by enrolment, with nearly 70,000 students as of Fall 2024. The university offers on-campus housing as well as off-campus options.

On-Campus Housing

UCF provides on-campus housing for over 12,000 students in eight different communities. The types of accommodations include residence hall-style suites and apartment-style housing.

Residence Hall-Style Suites

The Libra, Apollo, Hercules, Nike, and Neptune communities offer residence hall-style suites with bathrooms shared between two or three rooms.

Apartment-Style Housing

Apartment-style housing is available in the Academic Village (Nike and Hercules communities), the Towers at Knights Plaza, the Lake Claire Courtyard Apartments Community, and NorthView.

Greek Housing

Greek housing is also available on campus in the Greek Park community, with close to 500 beds for students in sororities and fraternities.

Off-Campus Housing

UCF also has partnerships with off-campus apartment communities that provide housing for students. These include Knights Circle and The Pointe at Central, which are owned by The University of Central Florida Foundation, Inc. and managed by Asset Living. These communities offer various amenities and provide shuttle services to the UCF campus. Another option is NorthView, owned and operated by UCF and located in Oviedo, just north of the main campus. NorthView offers housing for 600 students and includes spaces for various faith-based organizations.

Additionally, there are off-campus housing options in the surrounding areas of Orlando, such as along McCulloch Road for close access to sports stadiums, or along Alafaya Trail for proximity to the UCF Music-Performing Arts Center and the Nicholson School of Communication.

Student activities

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a wide range of student activities to cater to diverse interests. With over 650 student clubs and organizations, there is something for everyone.

Athletics and Recreation

UCF is home to a variety of athletic teams known as the "UCF Knights", competing in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12 Conference. The university fields 15 varsity teams, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. The Knights have won several conference titles and national championships, making them a prominent force in college athletics.

The Recreation and Wellness Center, located on campus, offers a range of fitness equipment and amenities such as tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a climbing wall, and indoor and outdoor pools. Students can also enjoy Lake Claire, an on-campus lake offering canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats for rent, as well as a small beachfront.

Student Organizations and Clubs

With over 650 student clubs and organizations, UCF provides numerous opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests. These include academic, cultural, social, and special interest groups. Students can explore their passions, develop new skills, and build a strong community through these organizations.

Events and Activities

The UCF campus buzzes with events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, art shows, sports events, and volunteer opportunities. One notable tradition is Spirit Splash, a homecoming event where students gather at the Reflecting Pond to demonstrate school spirit. It has been recognized as one of the best college traditions in Florida.

Greek Life

UCF has a large Greek system with over 40 fraternities and sororities. Greek housing is available on campus, and students can choose from a variety of social, academic, and service-focused organizations. Greek Life at UCF promotes academic excellence, leadership development, and community involvement.

Academic Support and Resources

UCF provides extensive academic support to ensure students' success. Academic success coaches guide students through important decisions, helping them choose the right classes and majors while keeping them on track toward graduation. The university also offers resources such as the Student Academic Resource Center, which provides peer advising, workshops, study sessions, tutoring, and consultations.

Diversity and Inclusion

UCF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The Multicultural Student Center and LGBTQ+ Student Support Services promote civil discourse and engagement, ensuring that all members of the UCF community feel valued and supported.

Student Government

The University of Central Florida Student Government (UCF SG) is one of the largest in the nation, representing nearly 70,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. UCF SG funds and operates several campus departments and provides financial support to hundreds of registered student organizations, fostering a vibrant and engaging campus life.

Frequently asked questions