Quick Summary
University of Central Florida is a public research university founded in 1963, located in Orlando, United States. Ranked #593 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 69320 students including 4.5% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Hospitality and Leisure Management, Optics and Photonics, Computer Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 41%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UCF offers unparalleled industry connections in Orlando's tech and tourism sectors, leading research in optics and space, and is one of the largest, most vibrant campuses in the US.
Subject Strengths
Hospitality and Leisure ManagementOptics and PhotonicsComputer ScienceAerospace EngineeringEmergency and Crisis Management
Founded1963
TypePublic Research University
Total Students69320
Intl Students4.5%
Faculty Ratio30
CampusSuburban
Campus Size1,415 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUCF Lake Nona Medical Center,Orlando VA Medical Center,Nemours Children's Hospital
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#593
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Specialist,Certificate
Programs
34
PhD Programs
100
Online Programs
Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL),Florida Solar Energy Center,Institute for Simulation and Training
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate41%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREVaries by program
GMATRequired for most Business programs
SATRequired (Average 1250-1370)
ACTRequired (Average 26-30)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply during the early action or priority period. UCF is highly competitive; focus on strong standardized test scores and a high weighted GPA.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$6,368/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$16,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$8,872/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$30
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$22,868/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Specialist,Certificate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Hospitality Management | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biomedical Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$56,200
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with Disney, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Universal Studios.
Industry Connections
Lockheed MartinSiemensNASAThe Walt Disney CompanyNorthrop Grumman
Notable Alumni
Daniel Tosh,Cheryl Hines,Nicole Stott,Daunte Culpepper
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
FBC Mortgage Stadium,Addition Financial Arena,UCF Recreation and Wellness Center
Student Clubs
650
Library Resources
John C. Hitt Library,Rosen College Library,Curriculum Materials Center
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available