University of Central Florida's published cost of attendance reaches $22,819 annually, including $6,368 in-state tuition, $12,070 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $22,467 tuition, bringing total costs significantly higher.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,819 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,467 |
| Room and Board | $12,070 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,169 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,650 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,170 |
| $30–48k | $7,610 |
| $48–75k | $10,684 |
| $75–110k | $15,473 |
| $110k+ | $17,821 |
University of Central Florida's published cost of attendance reaches $22,819 annually, including $6,368 in-state tuition, $12,070 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $22,467 tuition, bringing total costs significantly higher. However, the average student pays just $10,650 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,169 through need-based and merit aid programs.
This net price falls $4,940 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating UCF provides stronger value relative to similar institutions. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates UCF's commitment to affordability through financial aid, though costs vary significantly based on family income levels. Students from lower-income families benefit most from aid programs, while higher-income families approach closer to full cost of attendance.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UCF graduates maintain manageable debt levels that support long-term financial sustainability after graduation. Median student debt reaches $18,190, falling below the peer median of $20,000 by $1,810.
Debt levels range from $6,250 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students avoid excessive borrowing while accessing quality education. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 falls well within sustainable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate less than one-third of first-year earnings to debt service.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,500 with monthly payments of $204, representing manageable family obligations for those choosing additional borrowing. UCF's debt performance ranks in the 79th percentile nationally, indicating controlled borrowing relative to other institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Central Florida delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of above-average earnings performance and controlled costs. Graduates earn $5,290 beyond expectations relative to similar student populations, ranking at the 74.7th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
With median earnings of $58,308 and debt below peer levels, UCF creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to career earning potential, while the $4,940 net price advantage over peer institutions provides immediate cost benefits.
UCF's return index performance at the 64.7th percentile reflects solid long-term outcomes relative to educational investment, supporting the institution's above-average tier designation for return on investment. The combination of accessibility, controlled debt levels, and strong earnings beyond expectations positions UCF as delivering measurable value for students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
UCF's financial aid strategy effectively reduces costs for students across income levels while concentrating the greatest support toward lower-income families. The $12,169 average financial aid savings represents more than half of the total cost of attendance, indicating robust aid programs that make higher education accessible.
With 33.4% of students qualifying as Pell-eligible, UCF serves a significant population of lower-income students who benefit most from need-based aid programs. The progressive pricing structure from $6,170 for lowest-income students to $17,821 for highest-income families demonstrates institutional commitment to economic diversity while maintaining educational quality.
This aid distribution supports UCF's exceptional access index performance and contributes to strong mobility outcomes by reducing financial barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The substantial aid savings relative to peer institutions positions UCF as offering stronger value in the public higher education marketplace.
