{"id":146644,"date":"2025-05-01T15:07:55","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T19:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=146644"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:25:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T20:25:10","slug":"ucf-degrees-a-strong-investment-for-students-the-state-of-florida-and-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-degrees-a-strong-investment-for-students-the-state-of-florida-and-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"UCF Degrees: A Strong Investment for Students, the State of Florida and Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>At the University of Central Florida, every dollar invested yields remarkable returns \u2014 both for students and for the state\u2019s economy. With more than <strong>9,000<\/strong> highly skilled graduates this spring and <strong>18,000 annually<\/strong>, UCF continues to drive workforce development and economic growth across Florida.<\/p>\n<p>Two graduating students embody the value of a UCF education: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-student-achieves-excellence-in-engineering-medicine-before-graduation\/\">Chloe Pinkston<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/biomedical-sciences-directconnect-students-find-success-before-graduation\/\">Nicole Stevens<\/a>. As they cross the commencement stage this weekend, their degrees in aerospace engineering and biomedical sciences, respectively, highlight the transformative impact of UCF.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_146619\" style=\"max-width: 230px;\" class=\"figure float-left\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" class=\"figure-img  wp-image-146619 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia.jpg\" alt=\"Person standing up with palm trees in background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-384x512.jpg 384w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-270x360.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" class=\"figure-img  wp-image-146619 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20800%201067%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Person standing up with palm trees in background\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20800%201067%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-384x512.jpg 384w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia-270x360.jpg 270w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/04\/Chloe-Pinkston-regalia.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Chloe Pinkston<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Like <strong>70%<\/strong> of her fellow undergraduates, Pinkston will graduate with <strong>no educational debt from UCF<\/strong>. Her degree will set her up for a lifetime income of more than <strong>$1 million<\/strong> over what someone without a college degree earns.<\/p>\n<p>Stevens, a transfer student from the innovative <strong>DirectConnect to UCF<\/strong> program, <strong>saved more than $6,500<\/strong> in tuition and fees by attending a partner state college before transitioning to UCF. This national model pathway program demonstrates UCF\u2019s commitment to providing accessible, affordable and high-quality education.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_146653\" style=\"max-width: 235px;\" class=\"figure float-right\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"figure-img img-fluid w-100 wp-image-146653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-533x800.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole Stevens\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-341x512.jpg 341w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-240x360.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" class=\"figure-img img-fluid w-100 wp-image-146653 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20533%20800%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Nicole Stevens\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20533%20800%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-341x512.jpg 341w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-240x360.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens.jpg 800w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/Nicole-Stevens-533x800.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Nicole Stevens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Their degrees will come with a strong <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/economic-impact\/\">return on investment for them and the State of Florida<\/a> \u2014 UCF produces high-quality degrees at the <strong>lowest cost per degree of any institution in the State University System<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Both degrees are also a boon for Florida\u2019s growing engineering and technology-driven economy. Pinkston and Stevens will enroll at UCF\u2019s College of Medicine this fall. Pinkston plans to pursue a career in the aerospace medicine industry, which is rapidly expanding along with the growth in private space flight. Stevens aspires to become a pediatrician in Florida \u2014 a field where there is a shortage of doctors to meet the growing needs of the state\u2019s population.<\/p>\n<p>As the state\u2019s top producer of engineering and nursing degrees, UCF plays a crucial role in sustaining Florida\u2019s economic competitiveness. Companies in aerospace, technology, and healthcare know they can rely on UCF for a steady pipeline of world-class talent.<\/p>\n<p>The success of UCF\u2019s graduates isn\u2019t just their own \u2014 it\u2019s a win for Florida, too. With a focus on affordability, quality and workforce alignment, UCF demonstrates how investing in higher education pays dividends for students, businesses, and the entire state.<\/p>\n<hr>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-6 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<h3 class=\"h4\">FLORIDA\u2019S ENGINEERING DEGREES<\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146646 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees.jpg\" alt=\"A pie chart depicting the percentage of engineering graduates produced by each Florida SUS school, including 26% from UCF\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-360x360.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146646 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A pie chart depicting the percentage of engineering graduates produced by each Florida SUS school, including 26% from UCF\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 580w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees-360x360.jpg 360w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-EngDegrees.jpg\"><br>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-6 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<h3 class=\"h4\">FLORIDA\u2019S NURSING DEGREES<\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146645 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees.jpg\" alt srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-360x360.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146645 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 580w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees-360x360.jpg 360w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-NursingDegrees.jpg\"><br>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<hr>\n<p><strong>UCF provides students with an exceptional return on their investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most students graduate with no debt from the university thanks to a UCF degree being one of the most affordable in the nation and through the generosity of philanthropy. Pinkston, for example, earned a STEM scholarship from Lockheed Martin and a scholarship from the Florida Daughters of the American Revolution.<\/p>\n<p>Pell Grants are another vital resource for more than half of UCF\u2019s undergraduate students. These federal grants awarded based on financial need are transformative for students and families by providing funding that does not need to be repaid.<\/p>\n<p>The university\u2019s world-class faculty, who bring strong industry experience and expertise into the classroom, and UCF\u2019s deep partnerships with industry give UCF students a competitive edge when they graduate.<\/p>\n<p>That all translates into an exceptional return on investment for students \u2014 and, when you put all of the graduates together, a huge economic impact by UCF alumni on the State of Florida.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">INCREASED EARNINGS<\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1380\" height=\"1382\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146652 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings.png\" alt=\"A bar graph titled &quot;$25,500 Higher Annual Earnings&quot; shows the average annual earnings for individuals with different levels of education in Florida. The graph compares earnings for those with a high school diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, and professional degrees. The earnings are as follows: High School - $34,900; Associate - $42,100; Bachelor's - $60,400; Master's - $77,800; Doctorate - $88,700; Professional - $133,800. The text below the graph states that UCF students receive higher future earnings averaging $7.70 for every dollar they invest in their UCF education.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings.png 1380w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-799x800.png 799w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-511x512.png 511w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-399x400.png 399w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-767x767.png 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1380px) 100vw, 1380px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1380\" height=\"1382\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146652 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201380%201382%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A bar graph titled &quot;$25,500 Higher Annual Earnings&quot; shows the average annual earnings for individuals with different levels of education in Florida. The graph compares earnings for those with a high school diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, and professional degrees. The earnings are as follows: High School - $34,900; Associate - $42,100; Bachelor's - $60,400; Master's - $77,800; Doctorate - $88,700; Professional - $133,800. The text below the graph states that UCF students receive higher future earnings averaging $7.70 for every dollar they invest in their UCF education.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201380%201382%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1380px) 100vw, 1380px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings.png 1380w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-799x800.png 799w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-511x512.png 511w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-399x400.png 399w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings-767x767.png 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency_Increased-Earnings.png\"><\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Transfer students from Florida\u2019s state colleges benefit from extra savings. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>More than 8,200 students transfer to UCF from Florida\u2019s state colleges each year, with most coming from the <a href=\"https:\/\/directconnect.ucf.edu\">DirectConnect to UCF<\/a> partnership with six area state colleges.<\/p>\n<p>By doing so, they save an average of $6,553 \u2014 25% \u2014 off their total tuition costs compared to what they would have paid for four years at UCF.<\/p>\n<p>DirectConnect to UCF has become a national model, spotlighted by organizations like The Aspen Institute and <em>The Chronicle of Higher Education<\/em>. To date, more than 77,900 degrees have been awarded to DirectConnect students coming to UCF from the program\u2019s six state college partners, with the majority coming from Valencia College.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM TRANSFER ENROLLMENT<\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146650 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment.jpeg\" alt=\"A bar chart titled &quot;FCS AA to SUS \u2014 Percentage of Total Enrollment, Fall 2024&quot; shows the percentage and number of students transferring from Florida College System (FCS) Associate in Arts (AA) programs to State University System (SUS) institutions. The chart includes the following data: UF - 10% (5,788 students), FSU - 8% (4,631 students), USF - 12% (6,547 students), FIU - 19% (10,706 students), UCF - 31% (17,324 students), FAU - 8% (4,442 students), and All Other SUS - 1% (718 students).\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-512x512.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-360x360.jpeg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146650 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A bar chart titled &quot;FCS AA to SUS \u2014 Percentage of Total Enrollment, Fall 2024&quot; shows the percentage and number of students transferring from Florida College System (FCS) Associate in Arts (AA) programs to State University System (SUS) institutions. The chart includes the following data: UF - 10% (5,788 students), FSU - 8% (4,631 students), USF - 12% (6,547 students), FIU - 19% (10,706 students), UCF - 31% (17,324 students), FAU - 8% (4,442 students), and All Other SUS - 1% (718 students).\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 580w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-512x512.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment-360x360.jpeg 360w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-TransferEnrollment.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><strong>UCF\u2019s benefit to the state of Florida goes well beyond the value of the degrees. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>UCF serves more of Florida\u2019s students than any other university. More than 90% of UCF\u2019s undergraduate students are Florida residents \u2014 and most will stay in Florida after they graduate, with 85% of UCF\u2019s new graduates remaining in Florida.<\/p>\n<p>UCF\u2019s alumni contribute <strong>$6.7 billion<\/strong> in added income for Florida\u2019s economy \u2014 equivalent to supporting&nbsp;<strong>75,371 jobs<\/strong>, according to the most recent Lightcast Economic Impact Study. They are leaders and innovators in engineering, computer science, space, nursing, digital media, healthcare, optics and photonics, and many other fields \u2014 helping to drive Florida\u2019s economy and make the state a better place to live.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">EXTENDING UCF\u2019S IMPACT<\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146647 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap.jpg\" alt=\"A chart showing the state of Florida with the following stats: 18,000+ UCF graduates produced annually; 85% of new UCF graduates stay in Florida; 68% of new UCF grads accepted a position or are already working locally \" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-360x360.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146647 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A chart showing the state of Florida with the following stats: 18,000+ UCF graduates produced annually; 85% of new UCF graduates stay in Florida; 68% of new UCF grads accepted a position or are already working locally \" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 580w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap-360x360.jpg 360w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-FLResMap.jpg\"><\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/efficiency\/\">UCF also produces degrees more efficiently than any other State University institution<\/a>, meaning a UCF degree provides a strong return on investment for taxpayers. The actual cost of each degree to the state is under $25,000, while it exceeds $40,000 for other leading Florida institutions.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">COST TO STATE PER DEGREE<strong><br>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146648 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree.jpg\" alt=\"A bar chart showing he cost of a degree for each Florida SUS school, including $24,567 for UCF\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-360x360.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"580\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-146648 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A bar chart showing he cost of a degree for each Florida SUS school, including $24,567 for UCF\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20580%20580%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 580w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree-360x360.jpg 360w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/05\/UCF_Efficiency-CostPerDegree.jpg\"><\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>As graduates like Pinkston and Stevens celebrate their huge accomplishments at this weekend\u2019s commencement ceremonies, it\u2019s clear that the state of Florida and industry have many reasons to celebrate as well.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every dollar invested in UCF delivers a strong return on investment, with UCF producing more than 9,000 highly skilled graduates this spring \u2014 and 18,000 graduates annually \u2014 who contribute to Florida\u2019s workforce and economy for decades.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":146657,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"lazy_load_responsive_images_disabled":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[5,27],"tags":[1004,18102],"tu_author":[],"class_list":["post-146644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-colleges","category-student-life","tag-commencement","tag-student-success"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium 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