University of Central Florida Summary
What makes University of Central Florida unique?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research institution that was founded in 1963 in Orange County, Florida with an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 70,000. Founded by the Florida Legislature as Florida Technological University with a mission to prepare students to enter the growing workforce within the U.S. Space Program, UCF has since expanded to provide a range of science and fine arts programs.
The university is in a suburban setting with a campus located just west of Cape Canaveral, and classes follow a semester-based academic calendar. The current student-faculty ratio at UCF is 30:1, which is typical for a large state institution. The University of Central Florida’s tuition and fees for in-state students are about a quarter the cost of those for out-of-state students, and the school has a diverse student body with representation from over 150 different countries around the world.
Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida is made up of 13 colleges with competitive hospitality, media studies, and medical programs. UCF has one of the largest student bodies of any public institution in the United States with nearly 72,000 students enrolled. Beyond academics, UCF’s Knight athletic teams compete in the American Athletic Conference, with an annual football rivalry with the University of South Florida Bulls. On-campus residential housing is an integral part of student life, where undergraduates enjoy a diverse student population and a large Greek system. Notable alumni include comedian Daniel Tosh of Tosh.0 and DJ Diplo.
University of Central Florida Review
Degree Overview
Check out the most popular majors and specific degrees students have earned at University of Central Florida.
*Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
* Number of people in 2019 that graduated with this degree and study level
* Number of people in 2019 that graduated with this degree and study level
* Number of people in 2019 that graduated with this degree and study level
* Number of people in 2019 that graduated with this degree and study level
Online Programs
Check out the online programs offered at University of Central Florida.
Accreditation Information
Specialized Institution Accreditations
American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Physical Therapy (PT) - Professional programs for the physical therapist
American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
- Clinical Psychology (CLPSY) - PhD Doctoral programs
- Professional Psychology (IPSY) - Predoctoral internship programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) - Graduate degree programs
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Health Services Administration (HSA) - Graduate programs in health services administration
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels (College of Nursing)
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels (College of Nursing)
- Nursing (CNDNP) - Nursing education programs at the doctorate degree levels (College of Nursing)
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- English Language (English Language Institute)
Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- Medicine (MED) - Programs leading to the M.D. degree
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Teacher Education (TED) - Baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schools
* Source data obtained from U.S. Department of Education's Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE)
Alumni & Student Reviews
Career Preparation
What letter grade would you give your school on how well it prepares students for a career in the real world?
Based on 17 Reviews-
Alumni
Liberal Studies, minor in music, English & education, Class of 1993It did not have any at the time.
-
Alumni
English Literature, Class of 1996i think they had some job placement help with a pegboard and a room with a counselor?
-
Alumni
Political Science, Class of 2011The school boasts a massive student population and has multiple campus that can allow for networking.
-
Alumni
MBA, Class of 2006Real time case analysis, speaker/networking series, on-site business meetings with actual companies.
-
Alumni
Communications, Class of 2013Career/job fairs, counseling assistance, graduate programs, aluminum associations
-
Alumni
Bachelor of Science, Class of 1995There was nothing that prepared me for the real world
-
Alumni
Finance, Class of 2015An extensive amount of career service outlets.
-
Alumni
bs in marketing, Class of 2004I didn't utilize any of the tools provided, so not sure what they offered
Students and Culture
What letter grade would you give the students/culture at your school?
Based on 17 Reviews-
Alumni
MSW, Class of 1995mixture of students right out of high school and adults returning to school, also mixture of races and ethnicities
-
Alumni
Liberal Studies, minor in music, English & education, Class of 1993It was a tiny, new school at the time, but now is the second largest university in the US. Students commuted and I didn't know many people.
-
Alumni
English Literature, Class of 1996It was a commuter school.
-
Alumni
Master of Health Sciences, Class of 1999Very diverse, probably due to good weather in Florida!
-
Alumni
Political Science, Class of 2011The culture is the strongest in Orlando.
-
Alumni
Education, Class of 1995Mixed group of all types and races.
-
Alumni
MBA, Class of 2006My MBA class had a focus in diversity and ethics. Everyone was there to learn something about other cultures and to see, empathize, and learn from each others experiences.
-
Alumni
Communications, Class of 2013UCF is very diverse. There are students form all over the country. As of right now, I know UCF is top 10 largest campus.
-
Alumni
Psychology BA, Class of 1998mixed diverse orlando is pretty varied
-
Alumni
Engineering, Class of 1983It was small at the time, but good.
-
Alumni
bs in marketing, Class of 2004mostly from the local area, commuting and working full time. rather metropolitan all things considered
Facilities
What letter grade would you give the facilities at your school.
Based on 17 Reviews-
Alumni
MSW, Class of 1995Nothing super special, but adequate
-
Alumni
Liberal Studies, minor in music, English & education, Class of 1993They were minimal at the time, but are now state-of-the-art.
-
Alumni
English Literature, Class of 1996Crowded, cold. This was well before most people had their own laptops.
-
Alumni
Master of Health Sciences, Class of 1999Good, but have much improved over the years.
-
Alumni
Education, Class of 1995Superior to say the least
-
Alumni
MBA, Class of 2006My school has changed a lot since I graduated. There are several new mixed use buildings (retail on the street level, living above), better athletic facilities. Most of the buildings are quite beautiful (even the older ones).
-
Alumni
Communications, Class of 2013UCF has also amenities. Including: computer labs, library, on/off campus apartments, small and large classrooms, cafeteria and on campus fast food, baskteball arena, football arena
-
Alumni
Bachelor of Science, Class of 1995Lots of Dorms, parking, and social/retail shops
-
Alumni
Finance, Class of 2015The computer labs were very high tech.
-
Alumni
bs in marketing, Class of 2004they were pretty good when i was there. always upgrading and building more, so I'm sure they are great now
Activities and Groups
What overall letter grade would you give the activities/groups at your school?
Based on 17 Reviews-
Alumni
MSW, Class of 1995I do not know, I did not get involved
-
Alumni
Liberal Studies, minor in music, English & education, Class of 1993social justice issues forum in front of the administration building
-
Alumni
English Literature, Class of 1996Football, somehow. Even though our school was terrible. We got Dante Culpepper and everyone was very excited about it.
-
Alumni
Master of Health Sciences, Class of 1999Sports, pep rally in the fountain pool
-
Alumni
Political Science, Class of 2011I worked a full time job so I didn't get to participate in a lot of activities and groups.
-
Alumni
MBA, Class of 2006I think there was a strong Greek community. At the time, the school was more of a commuter school and it didn't have the facilities to house a typical enclosed/integrated University environment (by that I mean, it was spread out, less dorm rooms, no on-site restaurants, entertainment, etc.). If you needed something, you most certainly had to leave campus. Even our football stadium we rented from the city. So to go to games, you needed to drive 20 minutes downtown.
-
Alumni
Communications, Class of 2013The most popular organizations would be sororities and fraternities
-
Alumni
Healthcare ADministration, Class of 2010diving in the fountain at homecoming
Questions & Answers
“ Who are the notable alumni? ”
1 Answer-
Comedian Daniel Tosh, actress Cheryl Hines, Tijuana Flats founder Brian Wheeler, Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, astronaut Nicole Stott, and NASCAR CEO Brian France all attended UCF. Many famous athletes took to the field at UCF before embarking on professional careers, including soccer player Michelle Akers, beach volleyball star Phil Dalhausser, and football players Brandon Marshall, Blake Bortles, and Asante Samuel.
“ What is the campus setting like? ”
1 Answer-
The 1,415-acre flagship campus in Orlando not only hosts students – it provides natural habitats for more than 45 animal species! While the sand skink and the gopher tortoise keep to their designated third of campus, students enjoy a Student Union filled with computer labs, eating establishments, and even a small shopping mall. The Recreation and Wellness Center boasts a three-story climbing wall, sand volleyball courts, and a disc golf course. Some 12,000 students live on campus. If you’re lucky, you can secure a spot at the colorful Towers at Knights Plaza, one of the main social hubs of campus.
“ What are the online learning and extension/adult learning opportunities? ”
1 Answer-
To make education accessible to as many Floridians as possible, UCF operates ten regional sites in the state. An early leader in online education, the university began offering undergraduate classes during the 1997-98 schoolyear. Nowadays, students can choose from a wide array of programs leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. (The graduate nursing program is a standout.) Online certificates in areas ranging from autism spectrum disorder to fundraising to police leadership help established professionals advance their careers.
“ What are the athletic highlights? ”
1 Answer-
University of Central Florida demonstrated its commitment to bolstering athletic programs by opening two new venues in 2007. The football team plays in the 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium, while basketball and volleyball teams enjoy the state-of-the-art CFE Arena. The Knights gained national attention by beating Baylor University in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2014. They finished that season ranked tenth nationally. UCF belongs to NCAA Division I’s American Athletic Conference.
“ What are the school's academic highlights? ”
1 Answer-
The more than 60,000 students who attend UCF select from some 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. Popular majors include psychology, health/biomedical sciences, nursing, mechanical engineering, accounting, and hospitality management (this is the region of Disney, you know). The university emphasizes hands-on experiences, leading 20,000 students annually to participate in co-ops, internships, and service-learning projects. Recognized nationally as a value in higher education, almost half of UCF students graduate debt-free.