UCF is proud to have earned initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, becoming the first institution in the State University System to earn accreditation from the nation’s largest institutional accreditor. This milestone underscores UCF’s growing national reputation, commitment to academic excellence and student success, and role in advancing Florida as a national leader in education.

UCF earned the status after completing the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation and demonstrating the university meets all HLC quality standards and requirements related to institutional mission; ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning for student success; and institutional effectiveness, resources and planning.

“HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources.” — President Alexander N. Cartwright

“UCF’s transition to HLC reflects our bold ambitions for the future and our responsibility to deliver exceptional value for Florida,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “HLC is an accreditation partner that matches our scale, our innovation, and our commitment to strong stewardship of public resources. Meeting the rigorous standards to earn this accreditation reflects the faculty and staff whose unwavering dedication to student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency fuel our momentum.”

About the Higher Learning Commission

Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation’s largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.

Why Accreditation Matters for UCF

As Florida offers universities new and innovative options for accreditation, UCF is proud to lead the way as the first in the State University System to earn accreditation from HLC.

HLC accreditation validates excellence across UCF, evaluating aspects including academic programs, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources.

Accreditation provides assurance that the university is fulfilling its public mission and providing excellent education, while also demonstrating UCF’s commitment to continuous improvement. It is also essential for the university to receive federal funding, including student financial aid.

UCF’s Strong Return on Investment

As a leading R1 university committed to building a better future, UCF empowers innovative community partnerships, world-class research with global impact, and the integration of technology and learning to foster incredible student outcomes.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the top 15 most innovative universities in the country and has consistently ranked UCF’s online degrees among the top 10 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, UCF has a higher graduation rate and lower annual cost than the average midpoint for four-year schools, with a graduation rate of 73% compared to the midpoint of 58%. UCF remains a great value for a quality education, with average annual costs of $10,650 compared to the $19,740 midpoint for other four-year schools.

UCF is also Florida’s most financially efficient university.

“UCF has become a national leader in delivering excellence at scale, achieving outstanding outcomes for our students and the state while operating with one of the lowest costs per degree in the nation,” President Cartwright says. “Because of that efficiency, additional new investments in UCF would deliver among the strongest returns in higher education — fueling the talent, research, and innovation that drive Florida’s future.”

Our Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

UCF was initially accredited in 1970, and most recently held its status through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards.

More information about the institution’s accreditation is available in HLC’s Directory of Institutions.