University of Central Florida (UCF) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was established as Florida Technological University in 1963. In terms of student enrollment, it is among the largest universities in the United States. It was started with an aim to serve the scientific and technological requirements of the nearby Kennedy Space Center. UCF is now a space grant university with a focus on engineering and optics programs.

UCF has multiple state and national accreditations including those from the Florida Department of Education, American Psychological Association, and the American Chemical Society. Colleges at UCF include Arts and Humanities, Business Education, Engineering and Computer Sciences, Optics and Photonics, Medicine, Education and others. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is particularly famous at because of its architectural design. The college replicates a resort and even has its own student-run café.

What initially started as a university with approximately 2000 students has now grown into a 1415 acre campus with more than 50,000 students enrolled in 225 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and post graduate levels. The main campus of the university is located in Orlando, but it has regional campuses in Daytona Beach, Palm Bay, Clermont, Cocoa, Kissimmee, Ocala, and Sanford. It also has partnerships with local community colleges which assure students of direct admission at UCF.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 7th in Florida and 303rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	90.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$22,548
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	29 / 1340
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	31 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	90% / 82%
Enrollment Total (all students)	68,475

Admissions

University of Central Florida has different admission guidelines for freshmen, graduate and doctoral students. All students must fill the online application form after paying a nominal non refundable application fee.

Freshmen Students

Official high school transcripts or GED scores are required. SAT or ACT with writing is mandatory. Students must have completed high school education from an accredited school.

Transfer Students

Official high school and college transcripts and SAT or ACT scores are required. Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must also have studied a foreign language for 8-10 semester hours in college.

International Students

International applicants must submit all documents related to immigrant information, SAT or ACT scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Graduate Students

Official college transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement are required along with GRE/GMAT/MAT/LSAT scores depending on the program students want to enroll in. A full list of academic requirements for graduate level programs can be found here. Some programs may also have a work experience requirement.

Gallery

Financial Aid

All students must fill out the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. The application priority date for submitting financial aid applications on the FAFSA website is early March.

UCF also provides students with funds for books through the Textbook Purchase Program and the Short Term Advance for Books. Other financial aid includes state and federal pell grants and federal Stafford loans.

Apart from state and federal aid, each college at UCF has its own scholarship programs. Students can read about the various scholarship programs at the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Though most scholarships are limited to residents of the United States, several scholarships are available for minorities and foreign students as well such as the Center for Student Opportunity Scholarship. Each scholarship program has some prerequisites that must be met before applying for financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4073rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Florida.

Students

Campus Housing

UCF’s Orlando campus has the maximum number of students living on campus. Campus housing options are divided into communities.

Apollo Community, with suite style rooms where one suite consists of 2-3 bedrooms, a living area, and a bathroom.

Hercules and Nike Community, with residence halls for first class students and apartments for upper class students. It is situated behind the Recreation and Wellness Center, giving students access to a swimming pool and other facilities.

Fraternity and Sorority Housing, with housing facilities for students who want to live the Greek life. Each fraternity and sorority has their own individual housing.

There are eight other housing options apart from these. Students can also choose housing options depending on their interests. Options exist for students in honor programs, hospitality management students and out of state students. Those interested in off campus housing can find options through the Off Campus Student Services website.

Campus Dining

Dining options at UCF include Dominos, Eastern Bros Bagels, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King. University owned and operated dining options include residential restaurants and convenience stores.

Athletic Facilities

Apart from the interesting food options, students can use athletic facilities at the Recreation and Wellness Center which includes multipurpose courts, gym, tennis courts, golf course, and a lap pool. Outdoor adventure options include boating, canoeing and kayaking at Lake Claire. From time to time, outdoor adventure trips are also organized for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

The UCF Arena at Knights Plaza is among the hottest campus arenas. With shows from top artists throughout the year, UCF students always have something to look forward to. In 2011, UCF Arena will play host to Katy Perry in June and Cirque De Soleil Dralion in September.

Greek Life

These are not the only entertainment options. At UCF, community learning and peer communication is fostered through the multiple fraternities and sororities. 44 social Greek clubs are officially recognized by the university. In 2009, Greek communities raised $133,000 through organized community service activities.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Athletic teams at University of Central Florida are called the UCF Knights. Sports facilities are located at the Knights Plaza and the Recreation and Wellness Center. It also has several practice facilities such as the Soccer and Track Stadium. UCF Knights participate in the USA Conference every year.

The men’s football team won the 2010 Conference USA Championship. The cheerleading team has also won two national championships.

Alumni

Nicole Stott, NASA astronaut

Brian France, CEO NASCAR

Eduardo Sanchez, writer and director

Tari Philips, WNBA

Bibliography

University of Central Florida. University of Central Florida. Web. 23 May 2011.
UCF Knights. UCF Golden Knights. Web. 23 May 2011.

University of Central Florida