The University of Central Florida (UCF) has made significant strides in its national selectivity rankings, positioning itself as one of the top universities in the state and across the country. According to an analysis by Orlando Business JournalUCF is now ranked No. 71st for selectivity in the United States, up three spots from the previous year. The university’s acceptance rate for the fall 2023 semester stood at 39.5%, admitting 23,961 of the 60,627 applicants.
Comparison with Other Florida Institutions
UCF’s performance places it third in Florida, behind only the University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU). UF, known for its competitive admissions process, remains at the forefront with a low acceptance rate of just 24.0%, while FSU follows with an acceptance rate of 25.4%.
The rankings are reflective of the increasing academic rigor at UCF. Over the past few years, UCF has raised its academic standards, as evidenced by the average GPA for incoming freshmen, which has grown from 4.0 in 2016 to 4.2 in 2023. Similarly, SAT scores have increased by 119 points, reaching an average of 1317. for the fall 2023 cohort.
Florida Higher Education Selectivity Rankings
Here’s a look at how Florida’s major institutions rank in terms of selectivity:
Source: Orlando Business Journal
UCF’s Path to Preeminence
This growth in selectivity comes as UCF continues to pursue preeminence status, a set of benchmarks designed to elevate the institution and provide it with additional funding. With 12 of the 13 required metrics already met, UCF’s rising academic profile aligns with its broader goals for continued excellence in higher education.
The surge in applications also highlights the university’s growing reputation, especially as UCF faces increasing competition from other Florida institutions. While other local universities have seen their selectivity rankings fall, UCF remains on a steady upward trajectory, positioning itself as a leading academic force in the state.
