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The story of student debt has grabbed national headlines, but most news reports don’t tell the whole story. Compared to the average debt incurred by students of for-profit institutions, most UCF graduates face a far brighter future thanks to the university’s strong educational value and programs focused on fiscal responsibility and financial freedom.

Borrowing Trends

The percentage of undergraduates receiving student loans varies greatly between for-profit, private nonprofit and public institutions, such as UCF.


For-Profit Private Nonprofit Public

Debt In Context

Where average debt is concerned, the type of undergraduate institution a student attends matters.


Brighter Futures

Nearly half of UCF undergraduates carry no educational debt when they graduate.


For-Profit1 Private Nonprofit1 Public1 National1 UCF2

Relative Consequences

Student loan default rates also correlate to the type of institution.


For-Profit1 Public1 Private Nonprofit1 Florida2 UCF2

A Clear Comparison

When compared to national averages, UCF graduates owe less debt overall.


UCF1 (2015-16) Public2 (2011-12)

$1 – $19,999

$20,000 – $29,999

$30,000 – $49,999

$50,000+

74%

of UCF graduates who responded to a recent survey are working full time, which is linked to higher productivity and well-being.

Teaching Responsible Borrowing

The Centsible Knights financial literacy program was created to help students make better decisions about money. UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance offers a wide variety of training and tools.

Topics Include:

My experience, the faculty and people who have helped me — it’s been invaluable.”

Bryce Nelson, a first-generation UCF marketing student who used Student Financial Assistance counseling, financial aid and work-study opportunities to earn an education with minimal debt.