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
The top 5 fields of study completed at University of Central Florida.
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.
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
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
University of Central Florida 3426th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Florida scholarships and financial aid
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
How many students are enrolled at University of Central Florida?
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, CEONASCAR
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.
Campus Crime Statistics
Ranks 6th in Florida and
195th overall
on StateUniversity.com‘s Safe School Index
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding University of Central Florida, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
almost 2 years agoNorma Manley noma7054 ((at)) embarqmail dot com
I never thought at my age I would be able to return to college to get my BSN. It wasn't easy but very rewarding. All the instructors for on line classes were extremely helpful and understanding to my needs and problems. I had hoped to get my MSN and go on to become a NP but realized I would be too old by then. I suspect that if I had asked any of my instructors they would have encouraged me to go for it. I never got the chance to thank any of them so I will do it now. Thank you all for the guidance and hope you gave me during my time with UCF's on line program RN to BSN.
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noma7054 ((at)) embarqmail dot com
I never thought at my age I would be able to return to college to get my BSN. It wasn't easy but very rewarding. All the instructors for on line classes were extremely helpful and understanding to my needs and problems. I had hoped to get my MSN and go on to become a NP but realized I would be too old by then. I suspect that if I had asked any of my instructors they would have encouraged me to go for it. I never got the chance to thank any of them so I will do it now. Thank you all for the guidance and hope you gave me during my time with UCF's on line program RN to BSN.