News Summary
The University of Central Florida’s Board of Trustees has approved a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition to address rising operational costs and improve faculty numbers. This decision, effective from the upcoming fall semester, will add approximately $2,000 annually for non-Florida residents. UCF aims to generate $7.6 million in revenue from this hike, which will assist in hiring new faculty to improve the student-to-faculty ratio. The administration plans to communicate financial aid options to those impacted by the increase.
Orlando, Florida – The University of Central Florida (UCF) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition to address rising operational costs and the need for more faculty. This decision will impact all undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are non-Florida residents, leading to an approximate additional cost of $2,000 per year for these students.
UCF anticipates that the tuition hike will generate an additional $7.6 million in revenue, which is intended for hiring new faculty members and reducing the current high student-to-faculty ratio, currently at 29 to 1, more than double the national average for four-year public universities. This increase will take effect with the upcoming fall semester starting on August 18, 2025.
Currently, only about 7% of UCF’s nearly 70,000 students are non-residents, but they will bear the brunt of this tuition hike. The decision comes shortly after the Florida Board of Governors enabled state universities to raise out-of-state tuition by a maximum of 10%. UCF has not increased its tuition since 2012, when it raised undergraduate fees by 15%.
Increasing enrollment of out-of-state students has been notable over the last decade, with numbers climbing by over 20,000. This surge has led to higher associated costs for universities in Florida, prompting UCF to adjust its tuition structure. This move mirrors similar decisions made by Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Florida (UF), both of which implemented a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition just a week prior. FSU’s tuition hike affects about 12% of its student population, while UF’s affects 25%.
The funding generated from this tuition increase will also assist UCF in seeking recurring state funding of $50 million in the next Legislative Session, which will be allocated towards hiring new faculty and enhancing campus infrastructure to better serve the student body. UCF officials have mentioned their plans to communicate available financial aid options to those who will be impacted by the tuition hike, aiming to relieve some of the financial burden this change will create.
Board members voiced concerns about introducing the tuition increase so close to the start of the semester and the potential consequences it could have on student enrollment and retention. UCF President Alexander Cartwright noted the importance of informing students about financial aid resources, emphasizing that assistance is available for those who will feel the impacts of the tuition adjustments.
As UCF moves forward with this tuition increase, the administration will need to navigate these financial adjustments and prioritize the hiring of additional faculty to improve the student-to-faculty ratio. Ensuring open lines of communication regarding financial aid will be vital in supporting affected students as they plan for their educational expenses in the coming academic year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Central Florida Approves Tuition Hike for Out-of-State Students
Florida Universities Approve Tuition Hikes for Out-of-State Students
Controversial Bill Proposed to Repeal In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students in Florida
Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix
- Orlando Sentinel
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: UCF tuition increase
- Wikipedia: University of Central Florida
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.
