So, you’re looking at Orlando. Not for the mouse or the rollercoasters, but for the Knight-life. Honestly, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has become a massive magnet for students outside the Sunshine State. But then you see it—the price tag. University of Central Florida out of state tuition is a different beast compared to what locals pay.
It's expensive. No way around it.
If you aren't a Florida resident, you're looking at paying roughly triple what a resident pays. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated cost for an out-of-state undergraduate is about $22,467 for tuition and fees alone. That’s assuming you’re taking a standard 30-credit hour load. If you're a graduate student, that number jumps closer to $28,657.
But here is the thing: most people just look at those numbers and close the tab. They assume they’re stuck with the full bill. You shouldn't. There are ways to hack these costs that most applicants completely overlook.
The Raw Math: Breaking Down the Costs
Let’s get into the weeds. UCF charges per credit hour. For a non-resident undergraduate, you’re looking at approximately $748.89 per credit hour.
Compare that to the $212.28 locals pay. It stings.
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Undergraduate Estimates (per year)
- Tuition and Fees: ~$22,467
- Housing and Food: ~$12,452 (though this varies wildly based on whether you're in the Towers or a shared room in Apollo)
- Books and Supplies: ~$1,200
- Total Sticker Price: ~$41,349
Graduate students have it even tougher. You’re looking at about $1,194.05 per credit hour. If you're doing a specialized Master’s, like the Executive Health Services Administration, the price can deviate even further.
But wait. UCF Online is a weird outlier. If you’re doing a degree 100% online, you might actually save money. Non-resident fees for online bachelor’s degrees often come out to around $769.45 per credit, but they waive certain campus-based fees (like athletics or the health fee) because you aren't physically there using the gym.
The Loophole: Grandparents and Waivers
Florida passed a law recently that is a total game-changer for out-of-state kids with family ties. It’s called the Grandparent Waiver.
Basically, if your grandparent is a legal Florida resident, you might be able to get your out-of-state fees waived entirely. You still pay the in-state rate.
There are catches, of course. You need a high SAT score (usually around 1340) or an ACT of 29. And they only give out a limited number per year. If you qualify, you’re saving over $15,000 annually. That’s life-changing money.
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Other Ways to Dodge the Non-Resident Fee
- Veteran Status: If you’re an honorably discharged veteran or an active-duty member (or a dependent using VA benefits), the C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver can wipe out that out-of-state surcharge.
- Florida High School Grads: Did you go to high school in Florida for three years but your parents moved away? You might still qualify for a waiver under FS 1009.26.
- The "Pegasus" Effect: UCF offers merit scholarships like the Pegasus Scholarship. For out-of-state students, these often come with a "waiver" component. This means they don't just give you cash; they actually reclassify a portion of your tuition to the lower rate.
Living in Orlando: The Hidden Expenses
Tuition is just the start. You have to live somewhere.
If you want to live on campus, you’ve got options ranging from the budget-friendly Apollo Community (shared rooms around $2,470 a semester) to the high-end NorthView or Towers where you’re paying closer to $4,800 a semester.
Pro tip: The "off-campus" apartments right across from UCF—like Knight's Circle or The Hub—aren't always cheaper. They just offer more "resort-style" amenities.
Orlando is also a car city. If you don't have a vehicle, you’re at the mercy of the UCF Shuttle or the Lynx bus system. Factor in about $1,700 a year for transportation if you're bringing a car (insurance, gas, and the dreaded parking permit).
Can You Just "Become" a Resident?
I get asked this constantly. "Can I just live there for a year and then pay in-state prices?"
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Kinda. But it's harder than you think.
Florida is strict. You have to prove you moved to the state for reasons other than just going to school. You need a Florida driver's license, vehicle registration, and a voter ID. You need to show you’ve been there for 12 consecutive months. And if you’re under 24, the school usually looks at where your parents live.
If your parents are in Ohio, you are an Ohio resident in UCF's eyes, even if you’ve been eating PubSubs for a year.
Actionable Steps for Out-of-State Applicants
If you're serious about UCF but the University of Central Florida out of state tuition makes you sweat, do this:
- Check the Grandparent Link: If you have a grandparent in FL, call them today. Get their residency documents ready before you even apply.
- File the FAFSA Early: UCF’s priority date is December 1. If you miss that, you’re basically fighting for leftovers.
- Apply for the A2O System: Use the Access 2 Opportunities portal in January. It’s a one-stop-shop for UCF-specific scholarships.
- Look at "Half-Time" Graduate Assistantships: If you’re a grad student, a 10-hour-a-week assistantship often comes with a partial tuition waiver. It’s the single best way to slash the cost of a Master's or PhD.
Don't just look at the $41k total and walk away. Dig into the waivers. The sticker price is for people who don't do their homework.
To get the most accurate estimate for your specific situation, use the UCF Tuition Navigator or the official net price calculator on their financial aid site. This will factor in your specific major and potential credits.