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University of Central Florida

Orlando, United States of America

The University of Central Florida was built in 1963 but opened as a Florida Technological University 1968. Florida Tech was renamed the University of Central Florida in 1978, as the school's academic emphasis extended beyond engineering and technology. Enrollment began with 1,948 students, and by 2022, it had grown to over 70,000 students from 157.
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Frequently Asked Questions

UCF is one of the largest universities in the U.S. by enrollment, with a total student population of over 70,000 across all campuses and online programs.
The UCF mascot is Knightro, a knight, and the school colors are black and gold.
The university was originally named Florida Technological University with a focus on supporting the space program. It was renamed in 1978 to reflect its expanding academic scope, and "UCF" became the official acronym. The full name is now simply "UCF."
Admission is competitive. The middle 50% of admitted freshmen typically have a high school GPA between 4.1 and 4.5 (on a 4.0 scale, weighted) and an SAT score between 1170 and 1340 or an ACT composite between 25 and 30.
The priority deadline for freshman applications for the Fall term is typically November 1st. The final deadline is usually May 1st, but applying by the priority deadline is strongly encouraged for scholarship consideration and better admission chances.
UCF does not require letters of recommendation or a personal essay for the general admission application. The decision is based primarily on your academic record, including GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores.
UCF has its own fully accredited Police Department, a 24/7 safety escort service, over 150 blue light emergency phones across campus, and a free safety app (Rave Guardian) that allows you to set a safety timer and report incidents directly to UCF PD.
The Clery Act is a federal law requiring universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The UCF Police Department publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which is available on their website and provides comprehensive crime statistics and safety policies.
Yes, all residence halls are secured 24/7 and require a student ID for entry. Guests must be signed in, and Residence Life staff and Community Safety Assistants are present in the communities. Security cameras are also installed in common areas and building entrances.
UCF is highly regarded for its programs in Optics and Photonics, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, and Digital Media.
Yes, UCF is a leading research university and strongly encourages undergraduate research through programs like the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), which offers funding, showcases, and the opportunity to work directly with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
Yes, UCF Online offers over 100 fully online degree and certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, providing flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students.
Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for the Pegasus Scholarship program when they submit their admission application by the priority deadline. No separate application is required for these merit-based awards.
To apply for federal and state aid, including grants, loans, and work-study, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. UCF's school code is 003954.
Yes, a limited number of merit-based scholarships are available for highly qualified international freshman applicants. These are awarded competitively based on the admission application, and a separate application is generally not required.
Orlando is a major metropolitan city known for its entertainment and tourism industry, providing students with vast internship and employment opportunities. It also offers a vibrant social scene, diverse culture, and year-round warm weather.
First-year students are not required to live on campus, but UCF guarantees housing for all first-year students who submit their housing contract by the May 1st deadline. Many students choose to live in on-campus housing for convenience and community.
There is a wide variety of off-campus housing options near UCF, including numerous apartment complexes that cater specifically to students. The UCF Off-Campus Partner website is a official resource to help students find housing, roommates, and navigate rental agreements.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation. UCF's International Services Center (ISC) provides workshops, guides, and dedicated advisors to help students understand and complete the OPT application process.
Yes, students who graduate with a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT, allowing for a total of 36 months of post-graduation work authorization.
The processing time for an OPT application by USCIS can vary but typically takes 90-120 days. It is crucial to apply early, as you can submit your application up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after.

University of Central Florida Application Statistics

Students
66000
International Students
1199
Undergraduates
54662
Postgraduate
11338
Faculty Strength
2200
International Faculty
6
Student Faculty Ratio
13:1
Acceptance Rate
49 %
Tuition Fees
$ 22482
Living Cost
$ 19980
Other Fees
$ 3000
Avg. GPA
3
Avg. IB
33
Avg. Percentage
85 %
Avg. SAT
1300
Avg. ACT
27
Avg. IELTS
6.5
Avg. GMAT
560
Avg. GRE
305
Avg. GRE Quantitative
152
Avg. GRE Verbal
153

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