UCF at a Glance
The University of Central Florida , one of the nation ’ s largest universities with an enrollment of more than 64,000 students , is a dynamic and entrepreneurial institution . Offering more than 200 degree programs , UCF is an academic and research leader in optics , modeling and simulation , engineering and computer science , education , hospitality management , digital media and other fields . It has been ranked among the nation ’ s top 15 “ most innovative ” institutions by U . S . News & World Report and among the nation ’ s best values by Kiplinger and The Princeton Review .
UCF is one of only 25 institutions in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation ’ s highest distinction in the categories of “ very high research activity ” and “ community engagement .” The community engagement designation is based on the extent and depth of engagements with local , national and global communities .
UCF attracts many of the nation ’ s best and brightest students . The fall freshman class for the 2016-17 academic year posted an average SAT score of 1262 with an average high school weighted GPA of 4.0 . The university ranked 11th among U . S . public universities for new National Merit Scholars last year . UCF continues to become more diverse each year , with a schoolrecord 44 percent of students in fall 2016 classified as minorities .
UCF is one of Central Florida ’ s largest employers , with nearly 12,000 staff and faculty members . The College of Medicine and Medical City partners at Lake Nona are projected to create 30,000 jobs and more than $ 7.6 billion in annual economic impact in years ahead . The university impacts more than 112,000 additional jobs and adds $ 7.7 billion of value to the economy .
UCF researchers have earned more than $ 1 billion in external grants during the past decade . Last year , university researchers secured $ 145 million in grants . UCF ’ s internationally recognized Institute for Simulation and Training is an anchor of the state ’ s $ 5 billion modeling and simulation industry .
UCF awarded more than 16,000 degrees in 2015-16 , which led all other state universities in Florida .
Students attend classes on UCF ’ s 1,415-acre main campus in East Orlando and at 15 satellite facilities throughout Central Florida . The campus has 600 acres set aside for lakes , woods and an arboretum . florida . HIGH . TECH 2017 21