University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida is a public institution that was founded in 1963. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 52,532, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,415 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Central Florida's ranking in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 168. Its in-state tuition and fees are $6,368 (2014-15); out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,467 (2014-15).

The University of Central Florida is, fittingly, a school that's spread across the middle of the state. UCF is based in Orlando and has more than 10 regional campuses in locations including Daytona Beach, Ocala and South Lake. Freshmen at the Orlando campus are not required to live on campus and, because of limited space, those who hope to are encouraged to apply early for housing. There are more than 40 fraternities and sororities in the school's large Greek system, as well as more than 300 other student organizations to consider joining. The UCF Knights compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.

The University of Central Florida has many programs for graduate students, too, including those through the College of Business Administration, College of Engineering and Computer Science and College of Education. Notable alumni of the University of Central Florida include Cheryl Hines, an actress who starred in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm"; comedian Daniel Tosh, star of Comedy Central’s "Tosh.0"; and former soccer player Michelle Akers, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

UCF Stands For Opportunity: The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is the second-largest university in the nation. Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF and its 12 colleges provide opportunities to 61,000 students, offering 210 degree programs from UCF's main campus, hospitality campus, health sciences campus and its 10 regional locations. UCF was ranked as the nation's No. 3 Up-and-Coming university in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report`s Best Colleges rankings. Last year, Kiplinger's and The Princeton Review ranked UCF as one of the nation`s best values for a college education. UCF, Florida's largest university, promotes a diverse and inclusive environment. Students come from 50 states and 148 countries. Study abroad programs allow students to study and conduct research with 98 institutions in 36 countries. Students at UCF have been recognized throughout the world and include recipients of the Rhodes, Mellon and Goldwater scholarships. In 2014, UCF enrolled 79 freshman National Merit Scholars for an overall enrollment of 275 National Merit Scholars. Both school records. Last year, UCF enrolled more National Merit Scholars and awarded more degrees than any other Florida university. UCF is an academic, partnership and research leader in numerous fields, such as optics, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, business administration, education, the sciences including biomedical sciences, hospitality management and digital media. In 2013-14, UCF professors received $145.6 million in research funding and have accrued more than $1.1 billion in external grants during the past decade. Distinctive programs extend learning beyond the classroom and include leadership programs, cooperative education, mentorships, internships, service learning and paid research positions. UCF is one of 25 public universities with the Carnegie Foundations highest designation in two categories: community engagement and very high research activity. The main campus stretches 1,415 acres and manages 800 acres of natural ecosystems resulting in habitats for more than 45 animal species. The Health Center is a full-service health clinic with on-site professionals, X-ray capabilities, dental services, a pharmacy, a medical laboratory and physical therapy services. The Student Union has computer labs, study lounges, ballrooms and meeting rooms, popular eating establishments and a small shopping mall. Students also enjoy a 149,000-square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center complete with a three-story climbing wall, an indoor track and fitness equipment. On-campus housing includes 11 communities for 12,000 students ranging from first-year to graduate students. UCF Knights won the inaugural American Athletic Conference titles in women's soccer and football and was the youngest university to ever play in a BCS bowl game last year. UCF Athletics football program finished last year ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press Top 25.