University of Central Florida Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

The University of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of approximately 40% for the 2026 academic year, making it a moderately selective public research institution in Orlando, Florida. With in-state tuition at $6,368 annually and an average net price of $10,411, UCF offers an affordable option for Florida residents. Graduates earn a median of $58,308 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across diverse fields.

Acceptance Snapshot

As of April 2026, the University of Central Florida maintains an acceptance rate of 40.11%, meaning the institution admits roughly 4 out of every 10 applicants. This moderate selectivity reflects UCF’s role as a large, inclusive public research university serving a broad spectrum of student backgrounds and academic profiles.

With a total enrollment of 59,146 students, UCF is one of Florida’s largest universities by headcount. The institution’s acceptance rate positions it between highly selective flagship universities and open-enrollment institutions, suggesting that while academic credentials matter, UCF prioritizes access to higher education for qualified students across varied achievement levels.

The acceptance rate reflects UCF’s mission as a public research university committed to serving the Central Florida region and beyond. Year-over-year trends in acceptance rates at large public institutions like UCF typically remain relatively stable, though they can fluctuate based on application volume and enrollment targets.

SAT & ACT Scores

Data on specific SAT and ACT score ranges (25th–75th percentile) for UCF’s 2026 entering cohort was not available in the current dataset. Prospective students should contact UCF’s Office of Admissions directly or visit the institution’s official admissions website for current standardized test score requirements and middle 50% ranges, which may vary by program and academic standing.

Tuition & Costs

UCF offers significant cost advantages, particularly for Florida residents:

Annual Tuition & Fees:

• In-State Tuition: $6,368
• Out-of-State Tuition: $22,467

The substantial difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition reflects Florida’s public higher education funding model, which prioritizes affordability for state residents.

Average Net Price: $10,411 annually

This figure represents the average amount students pay after accounting for grants and aid, providing a realistic picture of out-of-pocket costs for the typical UCF student. The relatively low net price compared to tuition suggests that UCF students receive meaningful financial aid packages.

Median Student Debt: $18,190

This represents the typical debt level for UCF graduates, indicating that many students complete their degrees with manageable loan obligations. For context, this figure is considerably lower than the national average student loan debt, suggesting UCF’s affordability and strong financial aid support.

Financial Aid Overview

The average net price of $10,411 indicates that UCF provides substantial grant and aid support to its student body. This figure—well below the stated out-of-state tuition—demonstrates that the institution’s financial aid packages meaningfully reduce the cost of attendance for students across income levels.

The median debt of $18,190 upon graduation suggests that most UCF students who borrow do so responsibly and graduate with manageable loan obligations. This is particularly notable given the institution’s size and diverse student population, indicating effective aid distribution across the student body.

For detailed information on financial aid eligibility, grant amounts by income bracket, and loan options, prospective students should contact UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance or visit the institution’s financial aid portal.

Graduation Rates

UCF reports a completion rate of 76.62%, meaning approximately three-quarters of students complete their degree within the standard timeframe. This rate reflects the institution’s commitment to student success and compares favorably to many large public research universities, which often face challenges retaining students across six-year periods due to transfers, part-time enrollment, and other factors.

The 76.62% completion rate indicates strong institutional support systems, including academic advising, tutoring services, and student engagement programs that help students persist toward degree completion.

Post-Graduation Earnings

UCF graduates earn a median of $58,308 ten years after enrollment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. This figure reflects earnings across all majors and degree levels and represents a solid return on investment for graduates, particularly when considering UCF’s affordable tuition and strong financial aid support.

The $58,308 median earnings figure demonstrates that UCF prepares students for careers with competitive compensation across diverse industries, from engineering and business to education and healthcare.

Popular Majors

Detailed enrollment data by major was not available in the current dataset. Prospective students interested in learning about UCF’s most popular programs should consult the institution’s academic departments directly or review the Common Data Set, which breaks down degree awards by field of study.

UCF is known for strength in business, engineering, computer science, nursing, and hospitality management, reflecting the institution’s location in a region with strong demand for these fields.

Demographics

Specific demographic breakdowns by race/ethnicity and gender were not included in the available dataset. For comprehensive enrollment demographics, prospective students should visit UCF’s Office of Institutional Research or review the institution’s Common Data Set, which provides detailed demographic information.

Related Guides

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• Boston University Acceptance Rate 2026: 11.1% Admission Rate
• Florida State University Acceptance Rate 2025: 24.2%
• Florida State University Acceptance Rate 2026: 24.22%
• Rice University Acceptance Rate 2025: 8% Admission Rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UCF’s acceptance rate?

The University of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of approximately 40% as of April 2026, making it a moderately selective institution. This means the university admits a substantial portion of qualified applicants while maintaining academic standards appropriate for a research university.

How much does it cost to attend UCF?

In-state tuition is $6,368 annually, while out-of-state tuition is $22,467. The average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $10,411, making UCF significantly more affordable than many peer institutions. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $18,190.

What do UCF graduates earn?

UCF graduates earn a median of $58,308 ten years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard data. This represents a strong return on investment given the institution’s low cost of attendance and substantial financial aid packages.

How large is UCF?

With 59,146 students enrolled, UCF is one of Florida’s largest universities by headcount. The institution’s size provides access to diverse academic programs, research opportunities, and campus resources while maintaining a commitment to personalized student support through advising and mentoring.

What is UCF’s graduation rate?

UCF reports a 76.62% completion rate, meaning approximately three-quarters of students graduate within the standard timeframe. This rate reflects strong institutional support and compares favorably to many large public universities.

Is UCF a good value?

UCF offers strong value for students, particularly Florida residents. With in-state tuition under $6,500, an average net price around $10,400, and median graduate earnings of $58,308, the institution provides an affordable pathway to a degree from a research university with strong career outcomes.

How selective is UCF?

With a 40% acceptance rate, UCF is moderately selective. While the institution admits a substantial percentage of applicants, it maintains academic standards and considers factors beyond test scores. Prospective students should review specific admission requirements for their intended major.

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Data Sources

The statistics and figures in this article come from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data fetched as of April 11, 2026. Readers should verify current tuition, financial aid, and admission requirements directly with the University of Central Florida’s Office of Admissions and Office of Student Financial Assistance, as institutional data is updated regularly and may differ from the figures presented here.