UCF Student-Faculty Ratio

Hi folks, I'm considering applying to University of Central Florida. However, I value a lot of direct interaction with professors so the student-faculty ratio is really important to me. How does UCF hold up in this regard? Does this differ greatly between departments? Any info would help me out a lot!

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has a student-faculty ratio of 29:1. This is a bit higher than that of some smaller or private universities, which often fall within the range of 10:1 to 20:1.

Generally, student-faculty ratios can offer some insight into the potential size of your classes and the level of individual attention you might expect from professors. However, it's not always a concrete indication of your academic experience. For example, many research universities like UCF have larger student-faculty ratios, but offer considerable opportunities for faculty interaction through research projects, office hours, mentorship programs, and more.

Bear in mind also that the ratio can vary by department. While the overall ratio is 29:1, individual departments or programs may have different ratios due to the number of faculty and students within that specific program. Typically, upper-division and graduate courses within your major will often be smaller, offering more opportunities for engagement and interaction with the faculty.

If personal interaction is important to you, it could be worth reaching out to the department you’re interested in applying to directly to inquire about their average class sizes and opportunities for direct professor interaction. You could also ask if they offer any small seminar-type classes, undergraduate research opportunities, or departmental mentorship programs, as these can often offer ample interaction with faculty.

Don't judge a school solely by its student-faculty ratio. Consider other factors like faculty accessibility, the opportunities for research and internships in your field, the resources available to students, and the overall campus culture. Additionally, many students find that they can create opportunities for interaction even at larger schools by going to office hours, participating in research or academic clubs, and engaging in class.