The University of Central Florida: A Beacon of Growth and Excellence in Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a metropolitan research university located in Orlando, one of the most visited cities in the world. As the largest university by enrollment in Florida and one of the largest in the nation, UCF stands as a testament to educational excellence and innovation. With a commitment to diversity, quality education, and community engagement, UCF plays a pivotal role in the academic and economic landscape of Central Florida.
UCF’s Expansive and Diverse Campus
UCF’s main campus is situated 13 miles east of downtown Orlando, adjacent to one of the top research parks in the nation. The university’s footprint extends beyond its main campus, featuring the College of Medicine in the Medical City at Lake Nona, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management off International Drive, a campus in downtown Orlando, and multiple UCF Connect locations throughout Central Florida.
Student and Faculty Diversity
UCF is home to over 69,000 students, including 59,548 undergraduates, 9,294 graduate students, and 478 medical students. The university prides itself on a diverse student population, with over 50% of students identifying as minorities. UCF also employs more than 13,000 faculty and staff members, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment that fosters growth, learning, and success.
Academic Excellence and Research
UCF offers a wide array of academic programs, including 104 bachelor’s, 97 master’s, 33 research doctorates, three professional doctorates, and three specialist degree programs. The university is a leader in conferring degrees, awarding more than 18,000 annually, and is committed to innovative community partnerships and world-class research with local and global impact.
In the fiscal year 2023, UCF researchers received $217.1 million in funded research, reflecting the university’s strong emphasis on research and development. UCF’s Burnett Honors College continues to attract top students, with the freshman class boasting an average SAT score of 1332.
Strategic Vision and Mission
UCF’s strategic vision includes harnessing the power of scale to transform lives and livelihoods, attracting exceptional and diverse faculty, students, and staff, and deploying distinctive assets to solve society’s greatest challenges. The university aims to create partnerships at every level that amplify its academic, economic, social, and cultural impact and reputation, innovating academic, operational, and financial models to transform higher education.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
UCF’s economic impact is significant, with the university adding $7.73 billion in value to the economy, according to a study by the Florida Board of Governors. More than 177,000 of UCF’s alumni live in Orlando and the Central Florida region, serving as brand ambassadors and enhancing UCF’s national and global reputation.
Campus Information and History
The UCF campus has grown significantly since its inception, with construction beginning in January 1967 and the first classes held in October 1968. Originally enrolling 1,948 students, UCF has evolved into a major institution of higher learning. The university is classified as a Four-Year 1 Institution and is one of Florida’s 12 public universities, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Degrees and Programs
UCF offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, with a total of 240 programs available:
- Bachelor’s Degrees: 104 programs
- Master’s Degrees: 97 programs
- Research Doctorates: 33 programs
- Professional Doctorates (Medicine): 3 programs
- Specialist Degrees: 3 programs
As of August 2023, UCF has awarded a total of 419,318 degrees, including 344,369 bachelor’s, 66,231 master’s, 6,871 doctoral, 773 specialist, and 1,074 professional (medicine) degrees.
Housing and Student Life
UCF provides on-campus and affiliated housing for 12,282 students, including traditional dormitories, sorority/fraternity housing, and specialized housing at the Rosen College Campus and UCF Downtown. The university offers a vibrant student life with numerous activities, organizations, and support services that enhance the overall college experience.
Growth with Quality and Diversity
UCF’s commitment to quality and diversity is evident in its Fall 2023 freshman class, which had an average SAT score of 1332 and a high school GPA of 4.25. The university set records for diversity, with 50.7% of students being minorities and 29.2% Hispanic. UCF ranks second among Florida’s state universities with 346 National Merit Scholars enrolled and boasts a six-year graduation rate of 75%.
Top Degree Programs
UCF’s top undergraduate programs include Psychology, Integrated Business, Computer Science, Health Sciences, and Nursing. The university’s leading master’s programs feature Business Administration, Social Work, Health Administration, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. These programs reflect the university’s strengths in various disciplines, preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance
UCF is committed to providing an affordable education, with 68% of first-time-in-college students graduating without any educational debt. The cost of attendance for in-state students is $24,668 and $40,767 for out-of-state students, making UCF one of the best-value education options in the nation. Kiplinger’s magazine and Forbes rank UCF among the nation’s top education values.
Student and Enrollment Profile
UCF has a diverse and dynamic student body, with a total enrollment of 69,320 students, including a significant number of online learners. The university’s student population includes a balanced gender distribution and a variety of age groups, reflecting the inclusivity and accessibility of UCF’s programs.
Financial Aid Opportunities
UCF awarded $544.7 million in financial aid, benefiting 72% of undergraduate students. The university supports its students through various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs, helping them achieve their educational goals without the burden of excessive debt.
Research and Endowment
UCF’s research funding for 2022-2023 was $217.1 million, and the university has earned over $1 billion in external grants and contracts over the past decade. The endowment assets as of June 30, 2023, stood at $228.4 million, reflecting the university’s strong financial health and commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.
Preparing Students for the Workforce
UCF emphasizes career readiness, with students completing over 28,000 co-op, internship, and service-learning experiences annually. The university awarded more than 4,000 baccalaureate degrees in STEM fields in 2022-23, and its Career Services department assisted over 39,000 students in job searches and competitive applications.
Campuses and Locations
UCF Connect locations are spread throughout Central Florida, including Altamonte Springs, Cocoa, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Sanford/Lake Mary, South Lake, and multiple Valencia College campuses. Specialized locations such as the Florida Solar Energy Center, Academic Health Sciences Campus, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, UCF Downtown, and UCF Online extend the university’s reach and impact.
Budget and Expenditures
For the 2022-23 academic year, UCF’s total end-of-year expenditures were $1.87 billion, with significant allocations to education, research, auxiliary enterprises, and local funds. The university’s initial operating budget for 2021-22 was $2.15 billion, supporting its wide range of programs and initiatives.
Conclusion
The University of Central Florida is a beacon of growth, innovation, and excellence in Central Florida. With its expansive campus, diverse programs, and commitment to research and community engagement, UCF continues to shape the future of higher education. The university’s strategic vision and mission, coupled with its economic impact and educational value, make it a pivotal institution in the region and beyond.
