The University of Central Florida is now considered a preeminent university and joins the ranks of other state schools such as Florida International University, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida. The designation allows it to qualify for more research funding and resources to help attract top talent, faculty and support for graduate programs. It is the highest designation given by the state to public universities.
The Univiersity of Central Florida reached 12 of the 13 required metrics by improving its four-year graduation rate to above 60%.
“Reaching the 12 metrics necessary for Florida’s Preeminent State Research University designation reflects the grit and ambition of our students, faculty and staff, and the power of this community to dream bigger and achieve more," University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright said in a statement. "Preeminence is not an arrival point but a launchpad for an even bolder future."
The Board of Governors performs evaluations on a yearly basis to determine a university’s eligibility. They are set to approve the designation in June 2026.
The Florida Preeminence Program, established in 2013, sets 13 metrics for schools to meet in order to earn the designation. These include patents granted, graduation rates and faculty credentials.
The University of Central Florida has been in emerging preeminence status since 2016. A school is designated as emerging preeminent when it reaches seven of the 13 metrics, and it must present a five-year plan to achieve full preeminence.
The state grants additional funds to schools that earn preeminent status, with $40 million designated for the 2026 fiscal year.
Cartwright said he believed in investing in people, noting that UCF would invest in “expanded scholarships, purpose-driven spaces and experiential learning.”
UCF currently has a student body of about 70,000. The school aims to lower the student-to-faculty ratio to further improve graduation rates and student experiences.
