University of Central Florida (UCF) Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a large public research university based in Orlando, Florida. Known for its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, UCF offers strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, public administration, education, hospitality management, health care, and video game design. The school prides itself on being a research leader in numerous fields, including optics and lasers, and modeling and simulation. In addition, UCF maintains extensive partnerships with businesses and industries to provide students with a wide range of research and hands-on learning experiences.

Read on to learn about the admission process, the UCF acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid information, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

In 2023-24, University of Central Florida tuition, housing, and fees were:

•  In-state UCF tuition: $6,368, the same cost since at least 2019-2020

•  Out-of-state UCF tuition: $22,467, the same cost since at least 2019-2020

•  Books and supplies: $1,000, lower than prior years

•  Housing and food: $22,692

•  Other expenses : $5,230

Total costs, then, are as follows:

•  Total in-state: $24,668

•  Total out-of-state: $40,767

Financial Aid

In 2022-23, 91% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students received some kind of financial aid. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 85% received this type of aid with an average award of $9,585

•  Federal grants: Federal grants (including Pell grants): 26% received this type of aid with an average award of $6,851

•  State/local: 80% received this type of aid with an average award of $6,724

•  Institutional: 39% received this type of aid with an average award of $3,000

•  Student loan aid: 20% received this type of aid with an average award of $6,955

•  Federal student loans: 19% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,430

•  Other student loans: 2% received this type of aid with an average award of $14,907

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private student loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2022-23, 2% of UCF students received private student loans with an average award of $14,907.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Over four years, a degree at UCF will cost (based on 2023-24 numbers) approximately $98,674 for in-state students. This is lower than the average four-year cost of attendance at public universities in the U.S., which is $115,360.

Recommended: Florida Student Loan & Scholarship Information

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, UCF tuition and fees were $6,368 for in-state students and $22,467 for out-of-state students.

Total costs were as follows:

•  Total in-state, on-campus: $24,668

•  Total out-of-state, on-campus: $40,767

There are student loans available to help with these costs.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, average graduate in-state tuition was $6,916 plus fees of $1,956 for a total of $8,872. Average graduate out-of-state tuition was $25,759 plus fees of $2,898 for a total of $28,657.

Graduate loans can help with this cost.

Cost per Credit Hour

Cost per credit hour at UCF is $212.28 for in-state undergraduates, and $748.89 for out-of-state undergraduates. University of Central Florida tuition has remained stable since at least 2019-2020. Cost per credit hour for graduate students is $369.95 for in-state students and $1,194.05 for out of state.

Campus Housing Expenses

On-campus room and board was $12,070 in 2023-24; off-campus housing was estimated to be the same cost. Other living expenses were approximately $5,230.

Students can stay on the main campus in dorm housing or in Rosen College Apartments, Northview. Off-campus, the university provides information about current housing options.

University of Central Florida Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 60,627 people applied to UCF. The University of Central Florida acceptance rate was 40%.

Admission Requirements

To apply to UCF, you’ll need to submit:

•  A completed self-provided academic record (called a SPARK form); students who have already completed high school must submit a current official high school or home-school transcript.

•  Official standardized test scores from either SAT, ACT, or CLT

•  Official GED or TOEFL/IELTS score, if applicable

•  Application essay (strongly encouraged but not required)

•  $30 nonrefundable application fee

•  Completed online application (either UCF undergraduate application or Common App)

Important dates:

Freshman Early Action

•  Application deadline: 10/22

•  Material Submission Deadline: 11/1

•  Decision notification date: 11/15

Freshman Regular Decision

•  Application deadline: 5/1

•  Material submission deadline: 5/1

•  Decision notification date: Rolling notifications begin in January.

SAT and ACT Scores

In fall 2023, 73% of students submitted SAT scores and 27% submitted ACT scores. The 25th and 75th percentile numbers were:

Popular Majors at UCF

UCF offers more than 245 degree programs. Here’s a look at some of the most popular majors.

1. Psychology

Students can choose from six tracks to customize their psychology degree. Each provides a strong foundation in psychological sciences with different areas of emphasis to empower students to independently evaluate information.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 1,509

2. Health Services Administration

This degree prepares undergraduates to help health care facilities and systems run smoothly, with a focus on providing the highest quality of patient care. There is also an emphasis on community health outcomes.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 854

3. Registered Nursing

The university prepares students to provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of health care settings. The program focuses on clinical nursing practices, health promotion, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 734

4. Business

Business degrees are available in multiple specialties: accounting, analytics, economics, finance, integrated business, management, marketing, and real estate. Students start as prebusiness majors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 642

5. Computer Science

This degree focuses on mathematical and theoretical computing foundations, preparing undergraduates for careers in computer gaming, virtual reality, robotics, digital, computing architecture, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 513

6. Criminal Justice

Undergraduates receive a broad education about crime and control mechanisms in society to prepare them for criminal justice professions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 462

7. Biomedical Sciences

This program provides students with a diverse background in courses that focus on human disease and treatment: anatomy, cell biology, physiology, neurobiology, immunology, and more. Several tracks are available.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 441

8. Mechanical Engineering

Undergraduates learn core mechanical engineering concepts like mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and materials science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 424

9. Hospitality Administration

This program is top ranked, nationally and globally, with a curriculum that prepares undergraduates to become the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 402

10. Elementary Education and Teaching

UCF’s B.S. in Elementary Education prepares you to become a K-6 classroom teacher. Coursework covers various elementary subject areas, including reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science. Students also learn through hands-on experience teaching learners with varying abilities.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 261

UCF Graduation Rate

The UCF graduation rate was as follows for the fall 2017 cohort:

•  4 years: 50%

•  6 years: 76%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

UCF graduates earn a median income of $58,308 a year. This is slightly more than the annual median earnings of U.S. college grads, which is $53,747.