News Summary
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has announced a 10% tuition increase for out-of-state students, the first raise in over a decade. Set to begin in the upcoming fall semester, this increase aims to address rising operational costs and reduced funding. The hike will impact undergraduate, graduate, and medical students from outside Florida, adding approximately $2,000 to annual tuition. In-state students will not be affected. UCF anticipates generating an additional $9.5 million in revenue, reflecting broader financial challenges faced by Florida universities.
Orlando, Florida – The University of Central Florida (UCF) has announced a 10% tuition increase for out-of-state students, marking the first hike in over a decade. The increase, which will take effect in the upcoming fall semester, is aimed at addressing rising operational costs and reduced funding.
This tuition adjustment will primarily impact undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are from outside Florida. The hike is expected to generate approximately $9.5 million in additional revenue for UCF in the next academic year. For the affected out-of-state students, this increase translates to an additional cost of about $2,000 in annual tuition.
In contrast, in-state students at UCF will not see any changes to their tuition rates, which will remain unchanged. The decision to increase out-of-state tuition was unanimously approved by UCF’s Board of Trustees during a virtual meeting, aligning the university’s approach with similar measures taken by other major Florida universities such as the University of South Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Florida.
UCF’s Board of Governors has indicated that this increase in tuition for out-of-state students falls within a broader trend affecting Florida universities, where state law imposes limits on out-of-state enrollment even amidst rising costs. The timing of the announcement has raised concerns among board members, especially as students prepare to return for the fall semester on August 18.
The increase in tuition is part of a response to ongoing financial challenges faced by UCF, which has seen budget constraints due to various funding cuts. Officials are aware that these financial pressures may necessitate further discussions regarding tuition hikes in the future.
UCF’s out-of-state enrollment has increased over the years, with around 7% of UCF’s nearly 70,000 students being non-Florida residents. This growth has contributed to the university’s decision to raise tuition in order to maintain financial stability and provide quality education and resources for all students.
In light of the tuition increase, UCF leaders have expressed their commitment to assisting affected students through various financial aid options and resources. They aim to ensure that out-of-state students have the necessary support as they navigate these changes.
As the university prepares for the upcoming semester, the administration is expected to uphold its focus on providing education while managing the financial realities that have necessitated this increase. The situation illustrates the broader trend within Florida’s higher education landscape, where universities are facing similar fiscal challenges and must make difficult decisions about tuition structures.
With the increased need for financial resources, the Board has also discussed the possibility of future increases, with the Board of Governors having already approved the potential for universities to raise out-of-state tuition by up to 10% this academic year and possibly 15% next year. This looming potential for additional hikes highlights the ongoing financial complexities that institutions like UCF must navigate as they strive to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
As UCF moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on enhancing the educational experience while also addressing the economic realities of operating a large higher education institution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCF Unanimously Approves 10% Increase in Out-of-State Tuition
University of Central Florida Approves Tuition Hike for Out-of-State Students
Florida Universities Approve Tuition Hikes for Out-of-State Students
Miami University Students Struggling with Visa Issues
UCF Faces Challenges with International Student Visas
Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix
- Orlando Sentinel
- WFTV
- Florida Politics
- Orlando Weekly
- Wikipedia: Tuition in the United States
- Google Search: UCF tuition increase 2025
- Google Scholar: Tuition increase Florida universities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher education
- Google News: UCF tuition increase
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
