Does UCF have reciprocity or OOS waivers?

UCF participates in the Academic Common Market for select graduate programs. For undergraduates, Florida offers certain non-resident waivers (e.g., Florida high school graduate within 24 months). UCF is not in WUE/MSEP.

Automatic · Does UCF superscore ACT and SAT?

Yes. UCF superscores both exams for scholarship consideration.

Automatic · Do I need a separate application for Pegasus/Knights Achievement?

No. Apply for admission by Nov 1 (Early Action) and you’re automatically considered.

Automatic · Are awards renewable?

Generally up to 8 semesters with required GPA and full-time progress (e.g., ~24 credits/year).

Automatic · Can these awards stack with Bright Futures?

Often yes, up to Cost of Attendance. Non-resident fee waivers usually cannot exceed the fee cap.

Competitive · Do National Merit Finalists get different packages in-state vs. out-of-state?

Yes. Florida residents receive Benacquisto (and may stack Bright Futures). Non-residents receive UCF’s National Merit package (≈$25k+/yr).

Competitive · Key dates for National Merit at UCF?

Apply Early Action (Oct 15/Nov 15) for priority merit and designate UCF as first choice with NMSC by their spring deadline.

Competitive · Is FAS a full ride?

FAS covers 100% tuition & fees plus a book stipend; housing and meals are extra.

University of Central Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Is this college test-optional?

No. UCF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT scores sent officially for freshman admission and scholarship review.

Q: What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT?

ACT 25–29; SAT 1210–1340 total (EBRW 610–680; Math 590–670) based on the UCF Common Data Set 2024–25.

Q: What’s the average net price?

$13,351 per year (latest NCES/IPEDS). This reflects the typical out-of-pocket cost after grants and scholarships.

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Florida state aid

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance Rate: ~45% (CDS 2024–25)
Middle 50% ACT: 25–29 (CDS 2024–25)
Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1340 total; EBRW 610–680 • Math 590–670 (CDS 2024–25)
Average HS GPA: 4.22 (Fall 2024 freshman class, UCF Facts)

Sources: UCF Common Data Set 2024–25 (Analytics & Integrated Planning) and UCF “Facts” page. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.

📌

UCF at a Glance

Average Net Price

$13,110

What families actually paid on average (latest NCES/IPEDS)

Automatic Merit (OOS)

$7,500–$10,500 per year

Pegasus (Gold/Silver/Bronze) and Knights Achievement awards; awarded automatically by Admissions based on GPA, rigor, and test scores. No separate application.

Typical Qualifiers

Weighted GPA ~4.2–4.6 • SAT 1320–1450 • ACT 29–33

High-achieving applicants with rigorous coursework (AP/IB/AICE/DE). Stronger scores trend toward higher Pegasus tiers.

Testing Policy

SAT/ACT/CLT required for admission; official scores must be sent

See Official Links to confirm

Key Deadlines

Early Action Oct 15 / Nov 15 (priority merit) • Fall app May 1 • FAFSA opens October

Use the earlier of admission/scholarship

Honors College

Burnett Honors College: 4.2–4.6 GPA • 1350–1480 SAT • 30–33 ACT typical

Perks: small seminars, priority registration, research support, and dedicated Honors housing in Towers at Knights Plaza

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

Florida-resident National Merit Finalists: Benacquisto covers cost of attendance at Florida publics; UCF also offers an NMF package (OOS ~>$25k/yr)

Check stacking rules & fee exclusions

Residency & Waivers

No broad reciprocity (not WUE/MSEP); Florida aid like Bright Futures/Benacquisto for eligible residents

Out-of-state discounts primarily via institutional merit

Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate when not published and may shift with the year’s applicant pool and funding.
Last verified: October 5, 2025

UCF is a large public research university with competitive admissions and plenty of merit-based aid for strong students. Most freshmen are considered for Pegasus scholarships automatically when they apply—no extra application—and Florida residents may also stack state programs like Bright Futures and, for National Merit Finalists, Benacquisto.

Below, we map out what UCF really costs, who tends to qualify for its top awards, and how in-state families and out-of-state parents usually combine programs to lower the bill.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? No. UCF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT scores for freshman admission and they must be sent officially. (UCF Admissions)

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 25–29; SAT 1210–1340 total (EBRW 610–680 • Math 590–670). Source: UCF Common Data Set 2024–25.

What’s the average net price? $13,110 (latest NCES/IPEDS).

Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Florida does not have a WUE/MSEP-style reciprocity. Residents may use state programs like Bright Futures; Florida-resident National Merit Finalists receive Benacquisto (covers cost of attendance at Florida publics).

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Central Florida (2025–2026)

The figures below represent estimated direct costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus at UCF in Orlando. These totals reflect the average annual cost for fall and spring semesters combined (28 credit hours).

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (28 credit hours, fall + spring)	$5,954	$22,482
Housing & Meals	$13,412	$13,412
Total (Direct/Billed)	$19,366	$35,894

Why only these items? This table shows what families actually pay UCF directly—tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Other estimated costs like books (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,100), and personal expenses (~$3,000) vary by student and are not billed by the university.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid)

The typical family pays around $13,351 per year after grants and scholarships (based on the latest NCES/IPEDS data). This figure reflects the average out-of-pocket cost—not including loans. For a personalized estimate, try the UCF Net Price Calculator or learn how net price and Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our guide: Net Price & SAI explained.

Out-of-State Waivers & Reciprocity

UCF participates in the Academic Common Market (Graduate Only), which allows eligible students from SREB states to pay in-state tuition for certain graduate programs not available in their home state. UCF does not participate in WUE or other regional undergraduate reciprocity programs.

Non-resident students who graduate from a Florida high school within 24 months may also apply for a Florida tuition waiver that reduces tuition to in-state levels.

Savings Example: Without a waiver, out-of-state tuition is about $22,482 versus $5,954 in-state — a potential savings of nearly $16,500 per year.

Note: The Academic Common Market applies to a limited set of graduate programs, not all majors at UCF.

FAQ

Who qualifies?
Florida residents automatically qualify for in-state tuition. Out-of-state students must meet specific criteria—such as graduating from a Florida high school within the last 24 months—to qualify for the tuition waiver.

How much can families save?
The waiver can reduce tuition by roughly $16,500 per year compared to standard out-of-state rates.

Do you need to apply?
In-state tuition is automatic for Florida residents. The out-of-state waiver requires a separate application to the Registrar’s Office and must be submitted before or on the first day of classes.

Automatic Merit Scholarships — University of Central Florida

UCF awards most merit scholarships automatically through its Pegasus and Knights Achievement programs. Awards are based on a student’s academic record and standardized test performance (if submitted). UCF superscores both SAT and ACT. Applying by the November 1 Early Action deadline maximizes eligibility.

Scholarship	Award Amount (per year)	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Pegasus Scholarship (Residents)	$1,500 – $7,500 / year (≈ $6K – $30K total over 4 years)	Incoming Florida residents with strong GPA and course rigor; test scores optional but can boost amount. UCF superscores ACT/SAT.	No – automatic with admission by priority date	Yes – 8 semesters; maintain GPA and full-time status	Middle 50% profile ≈ GPA 4.1–4.5, SAT 1310–1430, ACT 28–32; rigor matters.	Nov 1 (Early Action)
Pegasus / Knights Achievement (Non-Residents)	$7,500 – $10,500 / year (≈ $30K – $42K total over 4 years)	First-time non-resident students awarded a partial non-resident fee waiver based on academic record. Superscored tests accepted.	No – automatic with admission by priority date	Yes – 8 semesters; maintain GPA and full-time status	High-achieving OOS students with 4.1+ GPA and strong ACT/SAT scores near or above median.	Nov 1 (Early Action)

Amounts shown are per-year estimates converted from UCF’s four-year totals. Waivers and merit awards generally cannot be combined to exceed the full non-resident fee cap. Actual thresholds vary annually based on funding and applicant strength.

Automatic Merit — FAQs (University of Central Florida)

Does UCF superscore ACT and SAT?
Yes. UCF uses superscoring for both exams to determine scholarship eligibility.

Do I need a separate application?
No. Students who apply for admission by the November 1 Early Action priority deadline are automatically considered for Pegasus and Knights Achievement awards.

Are these awards renewable?
Yes. They renew for up to eight semesters if students maintain the required GPA and complete at least 24 credit hours per academic year.

Can Pegasus and Knights Achievement stack with other aid?
They can combine with Bright Futures and federal aid, but admissions waivers usually cannot stack beyond the non-resident fee limit.

When will students hear about awards?
Merit notifications typically arrive with admission decisions or shortly after. Applying early ensures the best chance for funding.

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These aren’t automatic like Pegasus. They’re selective, come with extra steps, and usually go to students who meet specific statewide or national criteria. To avoid confusion: Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) are the two main tiers within the state’s Bright Futures program.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
National Merit Scholarship Package (UCF)	≈$25,000+/yr for 4 yrs (OOS); in-state Finalists receive Benacquisto + Bright Futures.	National Merit Finalist; designate UCF as first choice with NMSC.	No — handled via NMSC + UCF admission.	Yes — up to 8 semesters (full-time + good standing).	Finalists who choose UCF on time. In-state winners layer Benacquisto + FAS; OOS get UCF’s full package.	Early Action priority by Oct 15/Nov 15 for UCF merit; select UCF as first choice by NMSC spring deadline.
Florida Bright Futures — FAS	100% tuition & fees + $300/term books (at UCF rates)	FL HS grads meeting FAS GPA/test benchmarks + service/work hours	Yes — Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)	Yes — up to 120 credit hours; renewal GPA 3.0; 24 credits/yr typical	Students at/above FAS benchmarks. Covers tuition/fees; housing & meals extra.	Aug 31 after HS graduation (FFAA window)
Florida Bright Futures — FMS	75% of tuition & fees	FL HS grads meeting FMS GPA/test benchmarks + service/work hours	Yes — Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)	Yes — up to 120 credit hours; renewal GPA 2.75; 24 credits/yr typical	Students meeting FMS benchmarks. Often stacked with Pegasus or Pell for housing/meal coverage.	Aug 31 after HS graduation (FFAA window)

🗓 Deadlines to Note:
• Bright Futures (FAS/FMS): Submit the FFAA by August 31 after HS graduation.
• National Merit: Designate UCF as first choice by the NMSC spring deadline; UCF Early Action priority is Oct 15 and Nov 15.
• Pegasus (priority consideration): Apply to UCF by November 1.

Disclaimer: Bright Futures FAS is a full tuition award, not a “full ride.” Housing, meals, and personal costs are extra. Requirements and renewal rules are set by the Florida DOE and can change annually. Always verify benchmarks before applying.

❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Do National Merit Finalists get a different package if they’re in-state vs. out-of-state?
Yes. Florida residents who are Finalists receive Benacquisto funding (plus Bright Futures if eligible). Out-of-state Finalists receive UCF’s National Merit package valued at $25k+/year.

What dates actually matter for National Merit at UCF?
Apply to UCF by Early Action Oct 15/Nov 15 for priority merit consideration, and make sure you designate UCF as your first-choice with NMSC by their spring deadline.

Can Bright Futures stack with Pegasus or National Merit?
Bright Futures is state funding and commonly combines with UCF awards. Your final package depends on need-based aid and institutional stacking rules in your offer letter.

What should students prepare for these applications?
Use our Essay Toolkit to draft stronger responses and our Brag Sheet Builder to organize activities and service hours for National Merit and Bright Futures documentation.

Where can I learn more about National Merit and Bright Futures on CRP?
See our National Merit guide for how the UCF package works, and review Florida’s Bright Futures details before you file the FFAA.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These are lesser-known, high-impact programs at UCF—need-based, identity-based, departmental, ROTC, research, and study-abroad funds that can stack with other aid (up to your Cost of Attendance). Use UCF’s scholarship portal (Access to Opportunities) and apply early.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG)	Typically $1,000–$3,000/yr (donor- and state-matched; funding dependent)	Undergrads whose parents/guardians have not earned a bachelor’s; demonstrated financial need via FAFSA	Yes — A2O general + First-Gen supplement	Mostly No (reapply each year if eligible and funds available)	Pell-eligible first-gen students who apply early in A2O and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress	A2O cycle (opens early spring; selections by late spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Dively-Dupuis LGBTQ Scholarship	$1,400/yr ($700 fall + $700 spring)	UCF undergraduates with leadership/activism in the LGBTQ community	Yes — via A2O (timed cycle)	No (apply each cycle)	Students active in LGBTQ organizations, outreach, or advocacy; strong involvement & references stand out	Historically Mar 31 (verify current A2O posting).
Ferrante Family LGBTQ Scholarship	$1,000 (annual)	Undergraduate who identifies as LGBTQ and shows academic excellence	Yes — via A2O	No (one-year award)	LGBTQ students with solid GPA and campus/community engagement	A2O cycle (typically late winter/early spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Hispanic Endowed Scholarship (CREOL—Optics & Photonics)	$2,000	Students in the College of Optics & Photonics; funds may cover tuition/fees/books within COA	Yes — A2O (college-specific)	Not stated (assume one-year; reapply)	Optics/Photonics students who meet departmental criteria; concise statement helps	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Soileau Family–SPIE Optics & Photonics Undergraduate Scholarship (CREOL)	Up to $2,500 total over 4 semesters ($500, $500, $500, $1,000)	Photonic Science & Engineering major/pending; 3.0+ GPA; early-major coursework in Calc/Physics/Chem	Yes — A2O (CREOL)	Yes (milestone-based across four semesters; maintain GPA/progress)	PSE majors maintaining 3.0+ and steady degree progress; earlier applicants benefit	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Branen Band Endowed Scholarship (Marching Knights)	Up to $500/yr	Full-time students with 2+ years in the UCF Marching Knights	Yes — via A2O	Usually one-year; reapply	Dedicated Marching Knights members with strong participation	A2O cycle; ensemble auditions generally wrap by early April (confirm with Bands).
Frank M. Hubbard Engineering Endowed Scholarship (CECS)	$1,000	Undergrad in Engineering (College of Engineering & Computer Science)	Yes — A2O (CECS)	Not stated	CECS students with solid academics and involvement	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Peter J. Gehoski Memorial Scholarship (Mechanical/Electrical Eng.)	$1,000	Full-time ME or EE major; FAFSA need; short essay	Yes — CECS listing / A2O	Not stated	ME/EE students who clearly explain goals and need	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Harold E. Green Teacher Education Endowed Scholarship (Elementary Ed.)	$1,000–$3,000 (published range)	Elementary Education majors; merit; educational expenses	Yes — A2O (College of Community Innovation & Education)	Not stated	Teacher-prep students with strong academics & service	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Gregory Viant Faull Memorial Endowed Scholarship (College of Business)	Minimum $1,000 (renewable per listing)	Business majors; merit; resume/leadership considered	Yes — A2O (College of Business)	Sometimes (per fund)	Business students with ~3.3+* and leadership/service *estimate if GPA not posted; use strong record	A2O cycle (college window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Rosen College — Toohey Housing Endowed Scholarship	$1,000	Hospitality majors (Rosen College); supports housing costs	Yes — A2O (Rosen)	Not stated	Active Rosen students with need and steady progress	A2O cycle (Rosen window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management Scholarship	$5,000	Hospitality majors; donor-funded departmental award	Yes — A2O (Rosen)	Not stated	Stand-out Rosen students with strong academics & industry engagement	A2O cycle (Rosen window varies; usually spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
Arthrex Scholars Program (multi-college)	$2,000	Selected majors across Business, CECS, Sciences, Health, Optics/Photonics; funds may cover tuition/books/fees	Yes — A2O	Not stated	Students in listed majors with good standing and clear career goals	A2O cycle (typically late winter/early spring). Confirm inside A2O listing.
LEAD Scholars Fellowship (leadership program stipend)	$200 per semester (up to $800 over 4 semesters)	Admitted to LEAD Scholars; FAFSA on file; good standing; program obligations met	Yes — Apply to LEAD Scholars	Yes — each term in good standing	LEAD students meeting GPA/participation requirements; priority registration is a bonus perk	Apply to LEAD by early August for fall cohort (program deadline varies by year); some LEAD scholarships post separate spring deadlines.
UCF Student Research Grants (Office of Undergraduate Research)	On-campus: up to $750 (indiv.) / $1,500 (group); Off-campus research travel: up to $1,250 (indiv.) / $2,500 (group)	Undergraduates with a defined research/creative project and UCF faculty mentor; all majors	Yes — OUR application (InfoReady)	Not in perpetuity — max two grants per student	Students with a clear budget/timeline and mentor support; any field	Current round due mid-October (posted date varies each year).
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)	$2,000 summer scholarship	Undergrads with a UCF faculty mentor; enroll in Summer A/C; complete SURF workshops and poster showcase	Yes — OUR application	No (summer program)	Rising sophomores–seniors ready to spend the summer advancing research on campus	Applications open late fall for the following summer (exact window posted each year).
Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) Scholarship	$1,000 per term (competitive; fall & spring cycles)	Enrolled in the Burnett Honors College HUT program; by academic college; progress toward thesis	Yes — HUT/college process	Per term (reapply each cycle)	Honors students with defined thesis, mentor, and steady milestones (HUT eligibility typically 3.5 UCF GPA)	Deadlines set by college HUT Liaisons; posted each term (check HUT webcourse/announcements).
UCF International Centers Scholarship (Study Abroad)	Up to $1,000 (summer)	Full-time UCF students (2.5+ GPA) accepted to UCF International Center summer programs; short statement required	Yes — UCF Abroad application (deadline-driven)	No (one-term award)	Applicants with a clear purpose and who reflect UCF’s diversity are prioritized	Most UCF study-abroad awards post late fall–spring deadlines; some college programs close by late March.
Army ROTC Scholarships (on-campus Battalion)	Full tuition & fees or room & board alternative; book allowance; monthly stipend (up to ~$5,000/yr)	U.S. citizen/permanent resident; meet fitness/academic standards; service commitment after graduation	Yes — Army ROTC (national or campus-based)	Yes — up to 4 years (maintain standards)	Scholars with leadership/fitness and solid academics; campus-based 2–3 yr awards common for current UCF students	National high school board windows (fall–spring); campus-based deadlines vary (check UCF Army ROTC).
Air Force ROTC Scholarships (Detachment 159)	Type-dependent: Full tuition (Type 1) or capped tuition (e.g., up to ~$18,000/yr Type 2) + $900/yr books + ~$300–$500/mo stipend	Meet AFROTC academic/fitness standards; competitive national/college boards; service commitment	Yes — AFROTC application; Det. 159 support	Yes (maintain standards and progression)	Candidates with strong academics, fitness, and leadership; technical majors often competitive	National HS scholarship windows (fall–winter); in-college boards posted by AFROTC each year.

Range notes: When a page listed “varies,” we translated to realistic ranges using UCF’s A2O listings and official program pages; exact awards are set by donors/offices and may change with funding. Most awards stack with other aid up to the Cost of Attendance.

Hidden Gems FAQ (UCF)

Dively-Dupuis & Ferrante LGBTQ — when do they close? Historically late March (e.g., around Mar 31); UCF now posts the live date inside A2O. Check the current A2O listing and submit early.
First-Gen Matching Grant — how do selections work? Apply in A2O and file the FAFSA; UCF notifies selected students by late spring via UCF email. Complete any A2O post-acceptance steps to lock it in.
OUR Student Research Grants — exact due date? The fall round typically lands in mid-October (UCF posts the specific day each year). Your faculty mentor must endorse in InfoReady, so don’t wait.
SURF — when should we plan? Apps open in late fall for the coming summer. Build in time for a mentor letter and a focused summer plan.
LEAD Scholars Fellowship — where’s the deadline? The stipend is tied to being admitted to LEAD. The LEAD cohort application closes in early August for fall start; some LEAD-only scholarships post separate spring deadlines.
HUT Scholarship — is there a universal date? No. Each academic college sets HUT scholarship timelines and announces them via the HUT Webcourse/college liaisons each term. Check there each fall/spring.

⭐ College Specialty

UCF is the largest university in Florida by enrollment, but size isn’t its only strength. It has earned national recognition in several fields that matter for students seeking career-ready majors.

National Spotlight:
UCF is best known nationwide for Hospitality Management. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitality programs in the world and sits in the heart of Orlando’s global tourism hub, giving students unmatched access to internships and employers.

Engineering & Computer Science — Ranked in the top 75 public engineering schools (U.S. News 2024). Strong aerospace and defense pipelines with Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Optics & Photonics (CREOL) — One of only a few dedicated optics colleges in the U.S., consistently ranked among the top 25 graduate optics programs (U.S. News 2024).
Game Design & Digital Media (FIEA) — The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy has been ranked the #1 graduate game design program in the U.S. by Princeton Review multiple times.

These specialties matter because they connect students directly to Florida’s largest industries — tourism, aerospace, defense, and tech — turning Orlando into a living laboratory for internships and post-grad jobs.

Burnett Honors College (University of Central Florida)

The Burnett Honors College at UCF offers a more personalized, small-college experience within one of the nation’s largest universities. Honors students benefit from smaller classes, exclusive housing, individualized mentoring, and pathways to research, scholarships, and national fellowships.

Typical Burnett Honors Profile:
GPA: 4.1–4.5 weighted
SAT: 1310–1450 or ACT: 28–32
Strong AP/IB/AICE/dual-enrollment coursework
Leadership, service, or research experience
*Based on UCF’s freshman profile; not strict cutoffs.

Honors Perks:

Priority registration each semester
Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
Dedicated Honors housing in Towers at Knights Plaza
Access to the Honors Undergraduate Thesis program
Mentorship through the Office of Prestigious Awards (national scholarships)

Honors-Linked Scholarships & Grants

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Honors Undergraduate Thesis Research Grant	$500–$1,000 (one-time)	Burnett Honors students accepted into the Honors Thesis program with a faculty mentor	Yes — through Burnett Honors College	No — one-time stipend	Honors juniors or seniors conducting research with strong faculty recommendations	Varies by semester
Departmental & Donor Awards (Honors Priority)	$500–$5,000	Honors students often prioritized for donor-funded or departmental awards (Engineering, Optics, Rosen, etc.)	Yes — through college/department portals	Usually one-year; may reapply	High-achieving, engaged Honors students with faculty support	Spring cycle
National Fellowship Mentoring (Prestigious Awards)	External (e.g., Goldwater $7,500, Fulbright ~$30,000)	Honors students pursuing national-level scholarships; mentored by the Office of Prestigious Awards	Yes — external application	Depends on program	Top Honors students with high GPA, leadership, and strong faculty references	Varies by award

Honors College — FAQs (University of Central Florida)

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Burnett Honors College after submitting their general UCF application. Essays, recommendations, and academic records are required for review.

Does Honors add time to your degree?
No. Honors courses replace general education requirements and don’t extend degree time. The optional Honors Undergraduate Thesis may require an additional semester depending on research scope.

Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
Yes, but they are modest and project-based. Honors students mainly receive research grants, donor-funded awards, and national fellowship mentoring — not large automatic merit packages.

When should students apply?
The priority deadline for Honors is typically in early January, with final consideration through spring. Students applying to UCF by November 1 have the best odds for admission and scholarships.

🔗 Official Links

📎 University of Central Florida Homepage
📎 UCF Burnett Honors College
📎 Scholarships & Financial Aid at UCF