Understanding UCF Nursing Tuition Costs and Program Options

Choosing a nursing program is a significant decision, and understanding the associated costs is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the University of Central Florida's (UCF) nursing programs and tuition considerations. UCF offers a variety of pathways to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as well as advanced degree options.

BSN Program Tracks at UCF

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from UCF prepares graduates to provide comprehensive care across various healthcare settings, including acute care, community health, and rehabilitation. The BSN program emphasizes clinical nursing practice, health promotion and maintenance, and leadership development. UCF offers several BSN tracks to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds and career goals:

Traditional BSN: This track is designed for students entering nursing directly from high school or with some college credit but no prior nursing education. The Traditional BSN program is nationally accredited and available at UCF's Orlando, Cocoa, and Daytona Beach campuses. Admission is limited and generally occurs once a year.
Accelerated Second Degree BSN: This track is for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and are seeking a career change. It is a full-time, "lock-step" program that can be completed in four consecutive semesters, including summers.
Concurrent ASN to BSN: This option allows qualified students to take Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) courses at approved state colleges while simultaneously taking BSN courses at UCF.

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RN to BSN: This track is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who want to earn a BSN. Courses are primarily online, with some face-to-face classes. The program is designed to prevent repetition of previous coursework.

Admission Requirements and Considerations

Admission to UCF's nursing programs is limited access and competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Each applicant is reviewed individually.

General Requirements:

A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is typically required for continuation and graduation from the nursing program.
A minimum 2.5 GPA in the nursing major is also required.
UCF Residency requirement: 30 hours (if applicable)
Applicants who are not already UCF students are recommended to apply to UCF at least 3 months in advance of the nursing application deadline.

Specific Requirements by Track:

Accelerated Second Degree BSN: Requires a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution.
Traditional BSN at Cocoa and Daytona Beach: Requires a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Application Deadlines:

Application deadlines vary by track and campus location. It's crucial to check the UCF College of Nursing website for the most up-to-date deadlines.

For example, application deadlines may fall in November, February or August depending on the program.

Tuition and Fees

The displayed tuition figure represents an estimated tuition cost at University of Central Florida. For a breakdown of nursing program costs please review Programs list below. It is important to note that tuition costs are subject to change.

Residency:

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions makes initial residency determinations for new incoming undergraduate applicants.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UCF is committed to making education accessible and affordable. A significant percentage of undergraduate students at UCF receive some form of financial aid.

Last year, 72 percent of undergraduate students at UCF received some form of financial aid, and 70 percent graduated with no educational debt.

Scholarships:

UCF Pegasus Scholarship and Admission Awards: High school students applying for the summer or fall semester are automatically considered for these awards. The selection process is competitive, with fewer than 20 percent of students receiving an offer.
Provost Award: This prestigious scholarship is offered to Florida residents with outstanding academic credentials. High school seniors applying as incoming freshmen for the summer or fall semester will be considered.
UCF Transfer Scholarship: Students who earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida public state college and transfer to UCF in the Fall semester are eligible to apply. Dual enrollment students earning an A.A. degree and a high school diploma at the same time are not eligible for this scholarship, however they may be considered for a UCF freshman scholarship based upon their academic credentials. The deadline to submit this application is April 15.
A2O Scholarship Application System: This system includes a comprehensive list of UCF scholarships available to students from individual colleges, departments, and organizations.

Tips for Securing Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Seek out and apply for scholarships during your senior year of high school or before transferring to UCF.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal aid.
Search for scholarships annually, as award availability may vary.
Follow up on applications to ensure they are complete and to inquire about the status of your application.

Advanced Nursing Programs

In addition to the BSN program, UCF offers advanced nursing degree options for nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and skills:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The MSN programs are designed to prepare students for advanced professional roles as educators, leaders, clinical specialists, and more. Those who do not have a nursing bachelor's degree may enter upon completion of prerequisite classes.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP program is designed to educate students at the highest degree level available in the field of nursing. The program is offered online with two multiple-day onsite intensives per year. This option is designed for licensed registered nurses who have completed a BSN.

Accreditation and Licensure

The UCF nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. The Nursing, Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N. program will meet the educational eligibility criteria for the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for obtaining a license to practice as a registered nurse in Florida.

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

A significant number of UCF BSN graduates choose to stay in Florida after completing their degree. Florida has one of the highest employment levels of registered nurses who earn an annual mean wage of $69,510.

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