University of Central Florida (UCF) Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 09/2022)

The University of Central Florida is a four-year public research university in Orlando, Florida. UCF regularly shows up in the best college rankings by U.S. News and World Report, and in 2020, Washington Monthly recognized UCF as one of the country’s best universities. CEOWORLD named the university as the fourth best hospitality school in the world.

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

Total Cost of Attendance

In 2020-2021, University of Central Florida tuition, housing, and fees we:

•  In-state UCF tuition: $6,368, the same cost since at least 2018-2019

•  Out-of-state UCF tuition: $22,467, the same cost since at least 2018-2019

•  Books and supplies: $1,200, the same cost since at least 2018-2019

•  On-campus housing: $11,498, an 11.6% increase over the previous year

•  Off-campus housing: $11,498, an 14.9% increase over the previous year

•  Other fees: $4,970, the same cost since at least 2018-2019

Total costs, then, are as follows:

•  Total in-state, on-campus: $24,036, a 5.2% increase over the previous year

•  Total in-state, off-campus: $24,036, a 6.6% increase over the previous year

•  Total out-of-state, on-campus: $40,135, a 3.1% increase over the previous year

•  Total out-of-state, off-campus: $40,135, a 3.9% increase over the previous year

Financial Aid

In 2020-2021, 94% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students received some kind of financial aid. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 90% received this type of aid with an average award of $10,078

•  Federal grants: 49% received this type of aid with an average award of $4,494

•  Pell grants: 28% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,794

•  Other federal: 28% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,794

•  State/local: 83% received this type of aid with an average award of $6,724

•  Institutional: 56% received this type of aid with an average award of $2,404

•  Student financial aid: 20% received this type of aid with an average award of $6,180

•  Federal student loans: 20% received this type of aid with an average award of $5,240

•  Other student loans: 1% received this type of aid with an average award of $14,272

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

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

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 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 and 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 2020-2021, 1% of UCF students received private student loans with an average award of $14,272.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-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 as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your 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

In 2020-2021, in-state University of Central Florida tuition was $6,368—the same price it’s been since at least 2018-2019. Based on that amount, a four-year degree would cost $25,472. Out-of-state University of Central Florida tuition was $22,467, the same since at least 2018-2019. Four years with no price increases would be a $89,868.

Here’s some Florida Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2020-2021, in-state UCF tuition cost $6,368, and out-of-state UCF tuition was $22,467.

Total costs were as follows:

•  Total in-state, on-campus: $24,036

•  Total in-state, off-campus: $24,036

•  Total out-of-state, on-campus: $40,135

•  Total out-of-state, off-campus: $40,135

In comparison, in 2020-2021, the average total cost for a four-year public university in the U.S. for students in-state was $15,900, and out of state was $19,600.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2020-2021, the average in-state tuition was $6,916 plus fees of $1,956 for a total of $8,872. Out-of-state tuition was $25,759 plus fees of $2,898 for a total of $28,657. In 2019-2020, the average public graduate school tuition in the U.S. was $12,410, making UCF in-state tuition 28% less than average, and out-of-state UCF tuition 1.3 times more. 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 2018-2019. 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- and off-campus housing cost $11,498 in 2021-2022. Here are costs for prior years:

•  2020-2021: $10,300

•  2019-2020: $10,010

•  2018-2019: $10,010

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 2021, 48,929 people applied to UCF. The University of Central Florida acceptance rate was 36%.

Admission Requirements

The average profile of an accepted freshman looks like this:

•  Average SAT Score (Evidence-based Reading/Writing + Math): 1325

•  Average ACT Score: 28.6

•  Average High School GPA: 4.25

When applying, UCF requires transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. An application essay is strongly encouraged.

SAT and ACT Scores

Freshmen must submit either an official SAT or ACT score. In fall 2021, 73% of students submitted SAT scores and 27% submitted ACT scores. The 25th and 75th percentile numbers were:

Popular Majors at UCF

In 2021, UCF awarded 15,097 undergraduate degrees in more than two dozen areas of study. Some of the most popular degrees are:

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. In 2021, 9.2% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

2. Health Services Administration

This degree prepares undergraduates to help healthcare 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. In 2021, 5.8% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

3. Registered Nursing

The university prepares students to provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program focuses on clinical nursing practices, health promotion, and more. In 2021, 5.1% of graduating undergraduates earned a registered nursing degree.

4. Business

Business degrees are available in multiple specialties: accounting, analytics, economics, finance, integrated business, management, marketing, and real estate. Students start as pre-business majors. In 2021, 4.3% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

5. Criminal Justice

Undergraduates receive a broad education about crime and control mechanisms in society to prepare them for criminal justice professions. In 2021, 3.5% of graduating undergraduates earned this type of degree.

6. 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. In 2021, 3.4% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

7. Mechanical Engineering

Undergraduates learn core mechanical engineering concepts like mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and materials science. In 2021, 2.9% of graduating undergraduates earned a mechanical engineering degree.

8. Hospitality Administration

This program is top ranked, nationally and globally, with a curriculum that prepares undergraduates to become the next generation of hospitality leaders. In 2021, 2.9% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

9. Speech Communication

Students have two choices: a BA or a BS degree, each offering a solid scientific foundation for a wide range of careers in health and human services. Coursework is in speech, language, hearing development, and more. In 2021, 2.9% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

10. 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. In 2021, 2.7% of graduating undergraduates finished this degree.

UCF Graduation Rate

UCF graduation rates are as follows:

•  4 years: 46%

•  6 years: 75%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

UCF graduates earn a median income of $51,912 a year. Compared to the average annual earnings of U.S. college grads, which is $47,891, University of Central Florida graduates make, on average. 8.4% more.