- Snapshot Card
- Start Here
- University of Central Florida Online Master's Programs
- Quick Decision Guide
- What University of Central Florida Is Known For
- Online Master's Programs at UCF by Subject
- How University of Central Florida Compares
- Featured Programs and Top Picks
- Admissions Snapshot
- Tuition and Cost Overview
- Related Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
University of Central Florida Snapshot Card
20+
Online master’s programs
$369
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public
Regional accreditation:
SACSCOC
Admissions model:
Deadline-based
GRE/GMAT required:
Policy — It Varies
Out-of-state premium:
No — same rate for all students
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- CCNE
- CSWE
- NASPAA
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
Best For:
- Florida residents seeking affordable, regionally accredited online master’s programs at in-state tuition rates
- Working educators pursuing graduate credentials in instructional design, educational leadership, exceptional student education, or TESOL
- Hospitality and tourism professionals who want a degree from one of the nation’s top-ranked hospitality schools (Rosen College)
- Engineers and technical professionals looking for online MS programs in aerospace, industrial engineering, or engineering management at a research university
- Career changers or early-career professionals who need a flexible, part-time-friendly program with multiple start dates
Not a Best Fit:
- Students who prioritize elite brand prestige in business or law — UCF’s MBA is solid and AACSB-accredited, but it does not carry the same national recognition as programs at UF, ASU, or top-25 business schools
- Out-of-state students without a compelling reason to choose UCF — the value proposition weakens significantly when you’re paying non-resident rates, and competitors like Arizona State University or Western Governors University may offer more competitive out-of-state pricing or flat-rate tuition
- Students seeking highly specialized clinical programs (e.g., clinical psychology doctoral programs, physician assistant studies) — UCF’s online clinical offerings are limited to nursing and social work field placements
- Anyone who needs robust synchronous instruction or a cohort-based learning community — most UCF online programs lean heavily asynchronous with limited real-time interaction
University of Central Florida Online Master’s Programs
The University of Central Florida is one of the largest universities in the United States by total enrollment, and its online graduate footprint reflects that scale. UCF holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and carries Carnegie R1 classification as a very high research activity institution — a designation that shapes the depth and rigor of its graduate curricula.
UCF delivers more than 20 online master’s programs spanning education, business, engineering, healthcare, nursing, criminal justice, social work, public administration, communication, and data analytics. Several of these programs carry additional programmatic accreditations — AACSB for business, CCNE for nursing, CSWE for social work, NASPAA for public administration, FEPAC for forensic science, and ACPHA for hospitality management — which matters for licensure eligibility and employer recognition.
What distinguishes UCF for online master’s students isn’t a single flagship program but rather the combination of affordable public-university tuition (particularly for Florida residents), breadth of program options, and genuine pockets of national strength. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is consistently ranked among the top hospitality programs in the country. UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has a strong reputation in simulation, modeling, and aerospace. And the College of Community Innovation and Education produces one of the largest volumes of education graduates in the state.
This page evaluates UCF’s online master’s offerings from the perspective of a prospective student weighing cost, fit, program quality, and alternatives. It is not a brochure — it’s a decision tool.
Quick Decision Guide
This guide distills UCF’s online master’s landscape into the key decision factors you need before diving deeper.
Quick Fit Summary: UCF’s online master’s programs are built for working professionals — especially Florida residents — who want an accredited graduate degree from a large public research university without relocating or pausing their careers. The university’s strengths cluster around education, hospitality management, engineering, and select health-related fields, and its pricing structure heavily favors in-state students.
Cost Signal: In-state tuition runs approximately $369 per credit hour for most programs. Out-of-state rates are significantly higher (roughly $1,100+ per credit for some programs). Estimated total program costs range from approximately $11,000 to $22,000 for in-state students depending on credit requirements (30–60 credits). Additional fees apply.
Learning Model Signal: Predominantly asynchronous delivery across most programs. Some nursing and social work programs require clinical hours or field placements with in-person components. A few programs include optional synchronous sessions.
Admissions Signal: Most programs use deadline-based admissions with holistic review. GRE/GMAT requirements vary by program — many education and business programs have waiver options, while some engineering programs still require standardized test scores.
Flexibility Signal: Most programs offer Fall, Spring, and sometimes Summer start dates. Part-time enrollment is available across the majority of programs, and several can be completed in as few as 12 months at an accelerated pace.
Main Tradeoff: UCF delivers strong value for Florida residents and working professionals in education, hospitality, and engineering — but its brand carries less weight nationally than the University of Florida or Florida State University in several fields, and the out-of-state cost structure makes it less competitive against national online-first competitors for non-Florida students.
What University of Central Florida Is Known For
UCF’s identity as an online master’s destination is shaped by a handful of areas where the university has genuine competitive advantages — not across the board, but in specific verticals where its resources, faculty research, and industry connections translate into program quality that online students can actually leverage.
Hospitality and Tourism Management (Rosen College):
UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is one of the largest and most recognized hospitality management programs in the United States, accredited by ACPHA. The online MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management draws on the same faculty and industry partnerships that serve the on-campus program, which benefits from UCF’s location in the Orlando tourism corridor — the most visited destination in the U.S. For anyone building a career in hospitality, event management, or tourism, this is a program with legitimate industry standing.
Education Program Breadth:
UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education is one of the largest producers of education graduates in Florida. The online education portfolio is unusually broad — covering instructional design and technology, educational leadership, exceptional student education, applied learning and instruction, TESOL, and curriculum and instruction. For working K-12 educators in Florida who need graduate credentials for advancement or salary increases, UCF is one of the most practical and affordable options available.
Engineering and Technical Research:
UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has national-level research activity in simulation and modeling, optics and photonics, and aerospace engineering. The online engineering master’s programs (aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, engineering management) benefit from faculty involved in funded research with defense, NASA, and industry partners. The MS in Aerospace Engineering, in particular, leverages UCF’s proximity to Kennedy Space Center and a robust defense/aerospace industry network in Central Florida.
Health Sciences and Informatics:
The MS in Health Care Informatics is an interdisciplinary program that bridges health sciences and information technology — a niche that’s increasingly relevant as healthcare systems digitize. UCF also offers the MS in Health Sciences for professionals looking to deepen clinical or administrative expertise.
Criminal Justice and Forensic Science:
UCF’s MS in Criminal Justice and its FEPAC-accredited MS in Forensic Science serve a specialized audience. The forensic science program, with concentrations in digital and physical evidence analysis, is one of a small number of accredited online options in the country.
Nursing with CCNE Accreditation:
Both the Nurse Educator and Leadership and Management MSN tracks carry CCNE accreditation, which is important for career advancement and employer credibility in nursing education and administration. These programs do require clinical hours.
Where UCF is less differentiated is in general business (the MBA is AACSB-accredited but competes in a crowded market of public-university MBAs), general communication, and data analytics, where the programs are competent but lack the institutional distinctiveness that the hospitality, engineering, and education programs carry.
Online Master’s Programs at UCF by Subject
UCF offers more than 20 online master’s programs organized across 10 subject areas. The tables below present structured program data — credit requirements, estimated costs, accreditations, start dates, and admissions models — so you can compare options efficiently. All tuition figures shown reflect in-state rates (approximately $369 per credit); out-of-state students should expect significantly higher per-credit costs. Programs marked with in-person requirements involve clinical placements, internships, or lab components that cannot be completed entirely online.
UCF’s business programs are anchored by an AACSB-accredited MBA and a standout MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Rosen College. The MS in Management offers specialization in human resources or business analytics at a lower credit count.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Accreditation | Start Dates | GRE/GMAT | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | MBA | 42 | $15,498 | AACSB | Fall, Spring, Summer | No (waiver available) | No |
| MS in Management | MS | 30 | $11,070 | AACSB | Fall, Spring | No | No |
| MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management | MS | 33 | $12,177 | ACPHA | Fall, Spring | No | No |
UCF’s education portfolio is among its deepest. Five online master’s programs serve different professional pathways — from classroom instruction to school leadership to special education. Most do not require the GRE, making them accessible for working teachers.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Start Dates | GRE | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Applied Learning and Instruction | MA | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | No |
| MEd in Educational Leadership | MEd | 39 | $14,391 | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | Yes (internship) |
| MEd in Instructional Design and Technology | MEd | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring, Summer | No | No |
| MA in Exceptional Student Education | MA | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring | No | No |
| MEd in Curriculum and Instruction — TESOL | MEd | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring | No | No |
UCF’s engineering programs draw on the university’s nationally recognized research in aerospace, simulation, and industrial systems. The MS in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Industrial Engineering are more selective (GRE required), while Engineering Management targets working engineers moving into leadership.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Start Dates | GRE | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Engineering Management | MS | 30 | $11,070 | Fall, Spring, Summer | Varies | No |
| MS in Aerospace Engineering | MS | 30 | $11,070 | Fall, Spring | Yes | No |
| MS in Industrial Engineering | MS | 30 | $11,070 | Fall, Spring | Yes | No |
UCF’s healthcare programs address both clinical depth and the growing demand for health informatics professionals. Both programs are fully online with no in-person requirements.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Health Care Informatics | MS | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring | No |
| MS in Health Sciences | MS | 36 | $13,284 | Fall, Spring | No |
UCF offers two programs in the criminal justice space — a general MS in Criminal Justice and a FEPAC-accredited MS in Forensic Science with digital and physical evidence concentrations. The forensic science program is unusual for an online format and may require some in-person lab work.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Accreditation | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Criminal Justice | MS | 33 | $12,177 | — | Fall, Spring | No |
| MS in Forensic Science | MS | 33 | $12,177 | FEPAC | Fall | Yes (possible lab) |
Both of UCF’s online nursing master’s tracks are CCNE-accredited and require clinical hours. The Nurse Educator track prepares RNs for teaching roles, while the Leadership and Management track targets administrative advancement.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Accreditation | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN — Nurse Educator | MSN | 36 | $13,284 | CCNE | Fall, Spring | Yes (clinical hours) |
| MSN — Leadership and Management | MSN | 36 | $13,284 | CCNE | Fall, Spring | Yes (clinical hours) |
UCF’s CSWE-accredited MSW program offers Direct Practice and Advanced Generalist concentrations. At 60 credits for the standard track (33 for advanced standing BSW holders), it’s the largest credit commitment among UCF’s online master’s programs. Field placement is required.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Accreditation | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW | MSW | 60 (33 adv. standing) | $22,140 ($12,177 adv.) | CSWE | Fall | Yes (field placement) |
UCF offers two online master’s in communication — a broader MA in Communication with human and mass communication tracks, and a more career-focused MA in Strategic Communication with an accelerated option.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Communication | MA | 33 | $12,177 | Fall | No |
| MA in Strategic Communication | MA | 30 | $11,070 | Fall, Spring | No |
UCF’s NASPAA-accredited MPA program offers concentrations in Urban and Regional Planning and Nonprofit Management — both relevant to professionals in government, planning, or the nonprofit sector in Central Florida and beyond.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Accreditation | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration | MPA | 42 | $15,498 | NASPAA | Fall, Spring | No |
UCF’s MS in Data Analytics is an interdisciplinary program that draws from multiple colleges. It’s a compact 30-credit option for professionals looking to build quantitative and analytical skills.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Est. Cost (In-State) | Start Dates | In-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Data Analytics | MS | 30 | $11,070 | Fall, Spring | No |
Across the full portfolio, a few patterns stand out. UCF’s education and business programs offer the most start-date flexibility (Fall, Spring, and Summer), which is useful for working professionals who can’t wait for a single annual intake. Engineering programs are the most likely to require standardized test scores. Programs with clinical or field placement components — nursing, social work, forensic science, and educational leadership — add logistical complexity that fully online students should factor into their planning. And while the in-state per-credit rate of $369 applies broadly, total costs vary dramatically based on credit requirements: a 30-credit MS in Engineering Management runs roughly $11,000 in-state, while the 60-credit MSW reaches $22,000. Students considering UCF should weigh not just subject-area fit but also the credit load and any in-person requirements against their timeline and budget.
How University of Central Florida Compares
To evaluate UCF fairly, it helps to see it alongside the universities that prospective online master’s students most often consider as alternatives — particularly other large-enrollment public universities with substantial online program catalogs. The comparison below focuses on the factors that actually differentiate these institutions for online graduate students: tuition, program breadth, delivery model, admissions approach, and institutional reputation.
| Factor | UCF | University of Florida | Arizona State University | Florida International University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Type | Public R1 | Public R1 | Public R1 | Public R1 |
| Regional Accreditation | SACSCOC | SACSCOC | HLC | SACSCOC |
| Online Master’s Programs (approx.) | 20+ | 30+ | 60+ | 25+ |
| In-State Tuition / Credit (approx.) | $369 | $450–550 | $560–750 | $400–500 |
| Out-of-State Tuition / Credit (approx.) | $1,100+ | $1,100+ | $560–750 (many flat rate) | $800–1,000 |
| Delivery Model | Mostly asynchronous | Mixed (async + sync) | Mostly asynchronous | Mostly asynchronous |
| GRE/GMAT Requirements | Varies; many waivers | Varies; more programs require | Varies; many waivers | Varies; many waivers |
| Key Differentiators | Hospitality (Rosen College), engineering/aerospace, education breadth, affordable in-state | Higher national rankings, stronger brand in business/law/agriculture, UF Online platform | Largest online program catalog among R1 universities, innovation-focused brand, flat-rate tuition for many programs | International focus, South Florida location, competitive pricing |
| Best National Rankings Signal | Hospitality top 5; engineering top 100 | Top 30 national university | Top 120 national; innovation leader | Top 100 public |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- What the comparison reveals: UCF’s strongest competitive position is for Florida residents who want affordable in-state tuition from an R1 institution and whose interests align with education, hospitality, or engineering. Against University of Florida, UCF is the more affordable option but carries less brand weight in business, law, and most nationally ranked fields. Against Arizona State University, UCF is significantly cheaper in-state but less competitive for out-of-state students — ASU’s flat-rate tuition model and massive program catalog give it an edge for non-Florida residents. Against Florida International University, UCF’s hospitality and engineering programs are stronger differentiators, while FIU may be more attractive for students with an international business or South Florida career focus.
- The honest takeaway: if you’re a Florida resident and your target field is one of UCF’s strengths, UCF offers genuine value that’s hard to beat. If you’re out-of-state or your field isn’t one of UCF’s differentiators, the case for choosing UCF over ASU, Florida State University, or even Western Governors University (at a fraction of the cost) is weaker.
Best For
UCF’s online master’s programs are the strongest fit for specific student profiles — not everyone. Here’s who benefits most:
- Florida-based educators seeking affordable graduate credentials. UCF’s education program breadth (instructional design, educational leadership, exceptional student education, TESOL, applied learning) combined with ~$369/credit in-state tuition makes it one of the most practical graduate education destinations in Florida. If you need a master’s for salary advancement or certification add-ons and you already live in the state, UCF should be on your short list. Explore online master’s programs in education across other institutions to compare.
- Hospitality and tourism professionals at any stage. The Rosen College name carries real weight in the hospitality industry. If you’re building or advancing a career in hotel management, event management, tourism, or related fields, the MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from UCF is one of the strongest credentialing options in the country — and one of the few available fully online.
- Working engineers in Central Florida’s aerospace and defense corridor. UCF’s proximity to Kennedy Space Center, Lockheed Martin, and other defense/aerospace employers is more than geographic trivia — it shapes the faculty research, industry partnerships, and career networks that online engineering students can access. The MS in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Industrial Engineering are particularly relevant.
- Budget-conscious Florida residents who want R1-level research backing without flagship pricing. At roughly $369/credit, UCF undercuts UF and FSU in many program areas while still delivering SACSCOC-accredited, research-university-quality instruction. For students who prioritize cost-effectiveness and don’t need the UF or FSU brand on their diploma, UCF is a strong value play.
- Professionals in criminal justice or forensic science seeking specialized online graduate education. UCF’s FEPAC-accredited forensic science program is rare in the online market. The criminal justice MS also serves law enforcement and justice professionals seeking advancement without leaving the field.
Not a Best Fit For
UCF is not the right choice for every online master’s student. Being honest about where it falls short helps you avoid a mismatch:
Out-of-state students without a specific reason to choose UCF. The in-state pricing advantage evaporates for non-Florida residents, and UCF’s out-of-state rates (~$1,100+/credit) put it in the same cost bracket as many nationally recognized alternatives with stronger brand recognition. Unless you’re specifically drawn to the Rosen College or a niche program like forensic science, out-of-state students should compare carefully against Arizona State University (which offers flat-rate tuition to online students regardless of state) or explore the most affordable online master’s programs.
Students who want a top-ranked MBA brand. UCF’s MBA is AACSB-accredited and reasonably priced, but it doesn’t compete for national rankings with programs at UF, Indiana, or other schools known specifically for MBA outcomes. If employer perception of your MBA brand matters in your industry, look at our best online MBA programs ranking.
Students who need extensive synchronous interaction or a strong cohort experience. Most of UCF’s online programs are asynchronous-dominant, which favors flexibility but can feel isolating for students who learn better through real-time discussion and structured peer interaction. Universities like Northeastern University or Syracuse University often structure more synchronous and cohort-based online formats.
Students seeking advanced clinical programs beyond nursing and social work. UCF’s online clinical offerings are limited. If you need a clinical mental health counseling, occupational therapy, or physician assistant program, UCF doesn’t currently offer those online at the master’s level.
International students expecting significant financial aid or tuition discounts. UCF’s financial aid infrastructure for online out-of-state and international students is less robust than some private competitors that offer institutional scholarships to attract non-local enrollees.
Featured Programs and Top Picks
Not all of UCF’s online master’s programs carry the same weight. These are the programs where UCF has a genuine competitive edge — where the combination of accreditation, faculty expertise, industry connections, or program design sets it apart from what you’d get at a peer institution.
This is UCF’s clearest standout. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is ACPHA-accredited and consistently ranked among the top 3–5 hospitality programs nationally. The online MS gives working professionals access to the same curriculum and faculty network as the on-campus program. Concentrations in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and Event Management cover the major career tracks. At 33 credits and approximately $12,177 in-state, it’s also competitively priced against comparable programs at Purdue University or University of Houston. Best for: hospitality professionals seeking a graduate credential with national industry recognition.
Instructional design is one of the faster-growing career fields for education professionals, and UCF’s program — with concentrations in both Instructional Design and Instructional Technology — directly targets the skills employers in corporate training, edtech, and higher education are hiring for. No GRE required, no in-person components, and multiple start dates make it practical for working educators making a career pivot. Best for: teachers, trainers, or learning professionals transitioning into instructional design roles.
UCF’s engineering college is nationally ranked, and the aerospace program benefits from the university’s deep ties to Florida’s space coast and defense industry. The 30-credit program offers a non-thesis option for working engineers. GRE is required, but the total in-state cost of approximately $11,070 is hard to match for an R1-caliber aerospace engineering degree. Best for: working aerospace or defense engineers seeking an advanced degree without career interruption.
NASPAA-accredited and offering concentrations in Urban and Regional Planning and Nonprofit Management, UCF’s MPA is well-positioned for government employees and nonprofit professionals in Florida. The 42-credit program is more expensive than some competitors, but the accreditation matters for career advancement in public-sector roles. Best for: mid-career public administrators, city planners, or nonprofit leaders in Florida.
UCF’s CSWE-accredited MSW offers both a standard 60-credit track and an advanced standing option for BSW holders (33 credits). The Direct Practice and Advanced Generalist concentrations serve the two most common career pathways in social work. Field placement requirements add logistical complexity but also ensure clinical readiness. Best for: aspiring or current social workers who need a CSWE-accredited MSW for licensure, particularly those in or near Central Florida for field placement coordination.
Admissions Snapshot
UCF’s online master’s admissions process is decentralized — each program sets its own requirements, timelines, and review criteria — but there are common patterns that apply across most programs.
General Requirements (most programs):
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA (typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though some programs accept lower with compensating factors)
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3, though some programs don’t require them)
GRE/GMAT Policy — It Varies:
This is where UCF’s program-by-program variation matters most. Education programs broadly do not require the GRE. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waivers for qualified applicants. The MS in Management and MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management are also GRE/GMAT-free. However, the MS in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Industrial Engineering do require the GRE. For programs where the GRE is listed as “varies” or the policy is unclear, contact the program directly — policies shift, and waiver options may be available based on work experience or GPA thresholds.
Application Timeline:
Most programs follow deadline-based admissions with defined application windows for Fall, Spring, and sometimes Summer starts. The MA in Applied Learning and Instruction uses rolling admissions. Application deadlines for Fall admission typically fall between January and July depending on the program; Spring deadlines often cluster around October–November. Programs with clinical or field placement components (nursing, social work, forensic science) tend to have earlier and stricter deadlines.
Strengthening Your Application:
- For programs without GRE requirements, your GPA, statement of purpose, and relevant work experience carry more weight. A well-written statement that connects your professional background to specific program goals is more effective than a generic essay.
- For competitive programs (engineering, forensic science), strong GRE scores and relevant research or professional experience can differentiate your application.
- If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, some programs offer conditional admission pathways or will consider significant professional experience as a compensating factor — but this is program-specific, not university-wide.
Tuition and Cost Overview
Cost is one of UCF’s primary selling points for in-state students — and one of its primary limitations for everyone else. Understanding the full cost picture requires looking beyond the per-credit rate.
The table below provides a structured cost breakdown. All figures are approximate and based on the most recently available tuition rates. Fees, course materials, and any in-person travel costs are not included in the estimated totals.
| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Per Credit Hour | ~$369 | ~$1,100+ (varies by program) |
| Typical Credit Range | 30–60 credits | 30–60 credits |
| Estimated Total Tuition (30-credit program) | ~$11,070 | ~$33,000+ |
| Estimated Total Tuition (36-credit program) | ~$13,284 | ~$39,600+ |
| Estimated Total Tuition (42-credit program) | ~$15,498 | ~$46,200+ |
| Estimated Total Tuition (60-credit MSW) | ~$22,140 | ~$66,000+ |
| University Fees (per semester, approx.) | $200–400 | $200–400 |
| Technology / Distance Learning Fee | Varies by program | Varies by program |
The cost differential between in-state and out-of-state is dramatic — roughly 3x for most programs. This makes residency status the single most important financial variable for UCF online master’s students.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
UCF online graduate students are eligible for federal financial aid (Stafford Loans, Grad PLUS Loans) regardless of residency. However, institutional scholarship availability for online-only graduate students is more limited than what on-campus students access. Some programs have department-specific assistantship or scholarship opportunities, but these are competitive and not guaranteed. Florida residents may also be eligible for state-specific graduate education grants.
Cost in Context:
For Florida residents, UCF’s per-credit rate is among the lowest for an R1 public university in the state — lower than both University of Florida and Florida State University for most programs. For out-of-state students, the calculus changes significantly. Arizona State University’s flat-rate online tuition (often $560–750/credit regardless of residency) or Western Governors University’s flat-rate subscription model may deliver better value. You can model your total graduate school cost using the graduate school cost calculator to compare options side by side.
Visit University of Central Florida’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
If you’re evaluating UCF alongside other institutions, these OMC rankings provide additional context for comparing programs in the subject areas and price ranges where UCF competes:
- Best Online Master’s Programs: See where UCF fits in the broader landscape of online master’s options across all subjects and institution types.
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs: UCF’s in-state pricing makes it competitive here — use this ranking to see how it stacks up against other low-cost options, especially if you’re comparing across state lines.
- Best Online Master’s in Education: Given UCF’s depth in education programs, this ranking helps you evaluate whether UCF’s education offerings lead or trail comparable programs at other institutions.
- Best Online MBA Programs: UCF’s AACSB-accredited MBA competes in a crowded field. This ranking puts it in context against other accredited online MBAs by cost, reputation, and outcomes.
- Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice: For students considering UCF’s MS in Criminal Justice or MS in Forensic Science, this ranking provides a broader comparison set including programs at other large public universities.
For a broader view of program quality and what accredited online master’s programs mean in practice, that resource page explains the accreditation landscape in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The University of Central Florida holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is the recognized standard for degree-granting institutions in the southeastern United States. This accreditation covers both on-campus and online programs. Beyond regional accreditation, many individual programs carry programmatic accreditations: AACSB for business programs, CCNE for nursing, CSWE for social work, NASPAA for public administration, FEPAC for forensic science, and ACPHA for hospitality management. These programmatic accreditations matter because they affect licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and credit transferability in those specific fields.
For Florida residents, tuition is approximately $369 per credit hour for most online master’s programs. Total program costs range from roughly $11,000 (for 30-credit programs like Engineering Management) to approximately $22,000 (for the 60-credit MSW). Out-of-state students pay significantly more — approximately $1,100+ per credit in many programs — which can push total costs above $33,000–$66,000 depending on credit requirements. University fees, technology fees, and any costs associated with in-person requirements (clinical placements, lab components) add to these base figures. Florida residency is the single biggest cost lever for prospective UCF online master’s students.
It depends on the program. Most education programs do not require the GRE. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waivers for qualified applicants. Business-related programs (MS in Management, MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management) generally do not require standardized tests. However, engineering programs — particularly the MS in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Industrial Engineering — do require GRE scores. For other programs, the requirement may be listed as “varies” or subject to waiver based on GPA or professional experience. Always check the specific program’s admissions page for the most current policy, as these requirements can change.
Yes. The majority of UCF’s online master’s programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and allow part-time enrollment. Most programs do not mandate a full-time course load, and students can typically adjust their pace within the program’s maximum completion timeline. Some programs — particularly the MBA and education programs — explicitly market flexibility as a core feature. The MSW program has a more structured sequence due to field placement scheduling, but part-time progression is still available in most cases.
Completion timelines vary by program and enrollment pace. The fastest options — 30-credit programs like the MS in Engineering Management, MS in Data Analytics, or MA in Strategic Communication — can be completed in as few as 12 months at full-time pace. Most 36-credit programs take 18–24 months at a moderate pace. Larger programs like the 42-credit MBA or MPA typically take 21–36 months, and the 60-credit MSW takes 24–36 months for the standard track (the advanced standing track for BSW holders is shorter at 33 credits). Part-time students should expect timelines toward the higher end of these ranges.
Online graduate students at UCF are eligible for federal financial aid, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans — regardless of whether they are Florida residents or out-of-state students. Institutional scholarships and graduate assistantships are available but more limited for online-only students compared to on-campus peers. Some individual departments or colleges offer program-specific scholarships or tuition assistance, but these are competitive and not guaranteed. Florida residents may also qualify for state-level education grants. Students should complete the FAFSA and contact their specific program to ask about department-level funding opportunities.