At $10,650/yr net price, University of Central Florida graduates earn $58,308/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,308/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,650 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,308/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,308/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,190 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,170/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,684/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,473/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,821/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $120,252 | $24,014 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,363 | $27,242 |
| Statistics. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $76,041 | $40,236 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $75,204 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,420 | $84,816 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,817 | $22,511 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $18,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $20,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,020 | $17,950 |
The Risk Factor
75.1% of students at University of Central Florida graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Central Florida delivers solid financial returns with a low net price of $10,650 and manageable debt loads, making it one of the better ROI public universities in Florida. Your earnings potential varies dramatically by program choice, with engineering graduates earning over twice the university median at $120,252 annually.
Engineering programs provide the strongest payoff despite slightly higher debt at $24,014. Nursing graduates earn $91,363 with reasonable debt levels, positioning you well in Orlando's growing healthcare market. Business and education majors see respectable returns around $75,000-76,000, though business students carry notably higher debt at $40,236.
The main financial risk comes from UCF's size and popularity creating competitive job markets locally. Your 75% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, losing their investment entirely. The high retention rate of 92% suggests most students stay engaged, but completion becomes the critical factor.
UCF works best financially if you live in Florida and choose high-demand programs like engineering, nursing, or business. Out-of-state students should evaluate carefully since the low in-state pricing disappears. Students targeting lower-paying fields might find better opportunities at smaller regional universities with stronger alumni networks in specific industries.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, suggesting UCF keeps costs low through efficiency rather than heavy subsidies. Merit scholarships exist but face intense competition given the university's size. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-earning program while taking advantage of the relatively low tuition structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Central Florida worth the money?
UCF offers solid value with a low net price of $10,650 annually and graduates earning $58,308 after 10 years. The debt load is manageable at $18,190 median, making it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Central Florida?
Engineering programs lead with $120,252 average earnings, followed by nursing at $91,363. Business and education majors earn around $75,000-76,000, which is decent but not exceptional for those fields.
How much debt do University of Central Florida graduates have?
UCF graduates carry a median debt of $18,190, which is below the national average. Combined with the school's low cost, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Does University of Central Florida have good financial aid?
The $10,650 net price suggests UCF provides substantial financial aid to bring costs down from the full sticker price. This makes the school accessible to middle and lower-income students.