News Summary
The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees has approved a 10% tuition increase for out-of-state students starting in the Fall semester. This raise affects around 4,000 students and is intended to generate $7.6 million in additional revenue for hiring faculty and improving student services. The increase marks the first tuition hike for UCF since 2012, coinciding with similar trends at other Florida universities. The move aims to address operational costs and enhance the university’s academic offerings, particularly in engineering.
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) Board of Trustees has approved a 10% tuition hike for out-of-state students starting in the Fall semester of 2025. This decision impacts around 4,000 out-of-state students who will be attending classes beginning August 18, 2025. The tuition increase is expected to generate an estimated $7.6 million in additional revenue for the university.
The new fee equates to about a 7% increase for undergraduate and graduate students and approximately 5% for medical students who do not reside in Florida. This marks the first tuition increase for UCF since Fall 2012, indicating that the university aims to enhance its financial resources to address growing operational costs.
The revenue generated from this increase will specifically be allocated for hiring more faculty and improving student services. UCF plans to hire 150 faculty members in high-demand disciplines and 30 support staff positions to meet the educational needs of its student population. Furthermore, $30 million of a requested $50 million in recurring funding will also be directed toward hiring initiatives, while the remaining $20 million is earmarked for infrastructure improvements, including updates to IT and laboratory facilities, which are crucial for a modern learning environment.
UCF President Alexander Cartwright emphasized the importance of effective communication with students regarding available financial aid options, an essential aspect considering the impact of the rising costs. Students who may choose to withdraw due to financial burdens will forfeit their $200 non-refundable deposit, a significant consideration for many prospective and current out-of-state students.
At the same meeting where the tuition hike was approved, the Board of Trustees discussed plans to secure further state funding to bolster faculty recruitment and infrastructure advancements. The university’s goal is to rank its engineering program in the Top 25 nationally, reflecting UCF’s commitment to academic excellence and student career readiness.
Despite the increases at UCF, it is not alone in this trend, as other Florida universities have implemented similar tuition hikes for out-of-state students. Institutions such as Florida State University, the University of Florida, and Florida International University have also raised tuition in response to evolving budgetary demands and operational costs.
The background context reveals that the percentage of out-of-state undergraduate students in Florida has increased to over 12% since 2012. This rise signifies a shift in the demographic makeup of student populations at Florida universities, making the financial implications of tuition adjustments particularly significant for both students and the institutions themselves. Furthermore, a recent ruling by the Florida Board of Governors permits universities to raise out-of-state tuition by up to 10% in the current academic year, with the potential for a 15% increase next year. UCF currently receives the lowest per FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) state funding compared to the six largest research university systems in Florida, further complicating its financial landscape.
As the Fall semester of 2025 approaches, the UCF Board of Trustees continues to work on strategies to ensure that the university is equipped to offer quality education while maintaining financial sustainability. The challenges of balancing the needs of students, operational costs, and faculty recruitment will remain a priority as UCF navigates this new chapter.
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Florida Universities Approve Tuition Hikes for Out-of-State Students
Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix
- Wikipedia: University of Central Florida
- Orlando Sentinel
- Google Search: tuition increase UCF
- Florida Politics
- Google Scholar: University tuition increases
- WFTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: tuition policy
- Orlando Weekly
- Google News: UCF tuition
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.
