University of Central Florida: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes

Orlando, Florida · Public · Selective · CDS 2025-2026

Acceptance rate
43%
59,629 applicants
Median SAT
1280
Mid 50: 1220–1350
In-state tuition
$6,368
per year, before aid
Net price (avg)
$10,411
after aid, what families pay
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Quick answer

University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, Florida that admits about 43% of applicants, making it a selective school. The average family pays about $10,411 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Psychology, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General and Biology, General, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 78% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.1 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.

University of Central Florida is a public institution located in Orlando, Florida with a selective admissions profile. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Central Florida admits between a quarter and half of applicants, with an overall admission rate of 43%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1280 and an ACT composite around 28. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $10,411 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

What GPA does my child need for University of Central Florida?

70% of enrolled students at University of Central Florida had a high school GPA of 4.0 or above, and the average was 4.18, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

Actual GPA distribution of admitted students
4.00
70.0%
3.75–3.99
17.8%
3.50–3.74
10.3%
3.25–3.49
1.5%
3.00–3.24
0.2%
2.50–2.99
0.1%
From the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by University of Central Florida.

What does University of Central Florida weight in admissions?

University of Central Florida reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean

Very Important3 factors
  • Rigor of secondary school record
  • Academic GPA
  • Standardized test scores
Important1 factor
  • Application essay

SAT and ACT scores University of Central Florida typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 590–670, with an EBRW midpoint near 640. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–29. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.

SAT Composite
25th percentile1220
50th percentile1280
75th percentile1350
% submitting SAT73.9%
ACT Composite
25th percentile25
50th percentile28
75th percentile30
% submitting ACT25.8%
Current testing policy
  • Tests required: Standardized test scores are part of the standard application package.
  • • Policy detail: Required

Where admitted students ranked in their high school class

Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort — often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.

Top 10% of class33%
Top 25% of class68%
Top 50% of class94%
% submitting class rank76%

How much does University of Central Florida actually cost?

Published tuition is $6,368 for in-state students and $22,467 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $12,452 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $10,411 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 32% of students receive Pell Grants.

In-state tuition$6,368
Out-of-state tuition$24,076
Room and board$11,532
Average net price (after aid)$10,411
Application fee$30 (waivers available)

Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Central Florida

Regular admission
Regular deadline5/1
Notification dateRolling, beginning 1/15
Reply deadlineMay 1 (or within 2 weeks if notified thereafter)
Rolling admissionsYes
Early admission
Offers Early ActionYes
EA deadlineOctober 15

Will my child graduate from University of Central Florida?

These predict outcomes at University of Central Florida better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates

Freshman retention
93.3%
returned for sophomore year
4-year graduation
null%
finished on time
6-year graduation
78%
finished within 6 years

Most popular majors at University of Central Florida

The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Central Florida, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General and Biology, General. Across all programs, University of Central Florida confers roughly 6,675 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $46,522 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

MajorGraduates / yearMedian earnings (5 yrs out)
Psychology, General1,456$46,522
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General887$58,955
Biology, General827$55,579
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing773$82,872
Computer and Information Sciences, General765$89,759
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General699$50,442
Hospitality Administration/Management671$49,679
Business/Commerce, General597$66,733
Bachelor's-degree completions from federal IPEDS data; earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Is University of Central Florida safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Central Florida disclosed 122 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.1 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 14 violent offenses and 23 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

Total offenses
122
2.1 per 1,000 students
Violent crime
14
0.24 per 1,000
Sexual assault / VAWA
23
0.39 per 1,000
Burglary
32
reported incidents
Clery Act 2024, rates per 59,146 enrolled.

What is campus life like at University of Central Florida?

About 12% of undergraduates at University of Central Florida live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. In Greek life, 4% of men join a fraternity and 6% of women join a sorority. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.

Live on campus
12%
of undergraduates
In fraternities
4%
of men
In sororities
6%
of women
From the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by University of Central Florida.

Other colleges in Florida parents ask about

Next steps for University of Central Florida

Common questions parents ask about University of Central Florida

What GPA do I need for University of Central Florida?

70% of enrolled students at University of Central Florida had a high school GPA of 4.0 or above, and the average was 4.18, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

What SAT or ACT score does University of Central Florida typically admit?

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 590–670, with an EBRW midpoint near 640. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–29.

How much does University of Central Florida actually cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Central Florida after grants and scholarships is $10,411 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $6,368 and $22,467 out of state. Budget against the net figure.

Is University of Central Florida realistic for my child?

University of Central Florida admits 43% of applicants, so 590–670 SAT Math is target range and below 590 is a reach. Then check the $10,411 average net price against what your family can carry.

What is the acceptance rate at University of Central Florida?

University of Central Florida accepts about 43% of applicants out of roughly 59,629 who apply each year. That makes it a selective school.

Is University of Central Florida test-optional?

No. University of Central Florida requires SAT or ACT scores as part of a standard application.

What is the graduation rate at University of Central Florida?

About 78% of students at University of Central Florida graduate within six years. 93% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.

What does University of Central Florida look for in applicants?

University of Central Florida rates course rigor, GPA and test scores as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.

Is University of Central Florida a public or private school, and where is it located?

University of Central Florida is a public institution located in Orlando, Florida.

What are the most popular majors at University of Central Florida?

The largest undergraduate majors at University of Central Florida by annual graduates are Psychology, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General and Biology, General. The school awards about 6,675 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.

Is University of Central Florida safe? What is its campus crime rate?

University of Central Florida reported 122 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.1 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.

What is campus life like at University of Central Florida?

At University of Central Florida, 12% of undergraduates live on campus, 4% of men are in fraternities, 6% of women are in sororities, according to its most recent Common Data Set.

Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by University of Central Florida, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers