How to get into University of Central Florida
How to get into UCF: the second-largest university in the country where the Burnett Honors College is the headline academic distinction
40.1%
Acceptance rate
$6,368
In-state cost
$22,467
Out-of-state cost
What makes University of Central Florida admissions different
The University of Central Florida is a public R1 in Orlando with ~59,000 undergrads — one of the largest universities in the United States. UCF uses Common App, is test-optional in recent cycles, and runs a non-binding application timeline with priority deadlines that drive scholarship and housing consideration. The Burnett Honors College is the school's headline academic distinction; the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers), the College of Nursing, and the Nicholson School of Communication and Media are the most decorated units.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply via Common App by the Nov 1 priority deadline (the deadline that drives Burnett Honors and scholarship consideration; the published RD deadline is May 1 but priority is the meaningful date).
- 2.
Submit ACT 26+ / SAT 1230+ if you have them. UCF is test-optional but the school's posted middle-50% for admits runs ACT 26-31 / SAT 1230-1380, and submitters consistently land at higher rates.
- 3.
Maintain a 3.8+ weighted GPA in a rigorous curriculum. UCF's admit profile is stronger than many out-of-state applicants assume — the school admits in the low 40s on rate with a relatively high academic floor.
- 4.
If applying for Burnett Honors, complete the separate Burnett application. The Honors College admits ~600 students per class with stipend, smaller seminars, and dedicated advising.
- 5.
Apply for the Pegasus Gold and Pegasus Platinum scholarships — UCF's named merit tiers. The application is the same as general admission but the GPA/test thresholds are explicit.
- 6.
If applying to Rosen Hospitality, plan around the program-specific orientation and the South Orlando campus location (Rosen is on a separate campus).
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Missing the Nov 1 priority deadline. Burnett Honors and the top scholarship tiers close at the priority date regardless of the school's later RD deadline.
- ✕
Treating UCF as easy for Florida applicants. UCF is one of the most competitive Florida publics for in-state high-stats applicants; Bright Futures eligibility is a separate aid track that should be confirmed.
- ✕
Skipping the Burnett supplement. Honors is the funded path through UCF and the application is short.
The specifics for University of Central Florida
Application deadlines
- PriorityNovember 1, 2025Drives Burnett Honors and top scholarship consideration
- Regular DecisionMay 1, 2026
- FL Bright Futures (FAFSA priority)December 1, 2025
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Selective university-wide honors program admitting ~600 students per class with stipend, smaller seminars, Honors thesis track, and dedicated advising. The funded path through UCF for strong applicants.
CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers)
One of the country's leading academic centers for optics and photonics; supports undergraduate research and a Photonics minor.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Located on a separate South Orlando campus near Universal Orlando and Disney; one of the largest and most decorated undergraduate hospitality programs in the country.
Notable scholarships at University of Central Florida
Florida Bright Futures
Florida residents with qualifying GPA, test scores, and service hours. Two tiers: Academic Scholars (100% tuition) and Medallion Scholars (75% tuition).
Pegasus Gold and Pegasus Platinum Scholarships
UCF's named institutional merit awards with explicit GPA/test thresholds; awarded through the standard application.
What graduates actually do
UCF, one of the nation's largest universities by enrollment, is a major engine of Florida's hospitality, simulation/training, engineering, and entertainment industries. Its Rosen College of Hospitality Management is among the top programs in the world, and UCF has strong ties to Lockheed Martin, Disney, Universal, and the simulation hub at Central Florida Research Park.
Notable alumni
- Daniel Tosh — Comedian, Tosh.0
- Cheryl Hines — Actress (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
- Daunte Culpepper — NFL quarterback
- Blake Bortles — NFL quarterback
- Heather Brown — Olympic swimmer
Transfer pathway
UCF's DirectConnect to UCF program guarantees admission to AA-degree graduates of six partner state colleges in Central Florida, the largest such guaranteed pathway in Florida. Florida's statewide 2+2 articulation gives any AA graduate access to a state university. DirectConnect students enter as juniors with all gen-eds satisfied.
Articulation partners
Valencia College · Seminole State College · Eastern Florida State College · Lake-Sumter State College · Daytona State College · College of Central Florida
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
In-state Florida applicants with a 4.0+ weighted, 3.6+ unweighted, and 1250+ SAT are very competitive. Out-of-state applicants face a higher bar and pay non-resident tuition that may make the value proposition weaker than nearby in-state options. Bright Futures + UCF aid for Florida residents is often the binding affordability lever.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.