The University of Central Florida has been recognized by Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine for its efforts to recruit, retain and graduate Hispanic students.
The magazine named UCF one of the best 100 colleges in the United States for Hispanic students.
Using data from the U.S. Department of Education, Hispanic Outlook rated public and private universities throughout the country for its May 2 issue.
UCF was ranked 12th for undergraduate degrees awarded. The university also ranks among the top schools that work with Hispanic students to obtain master’s degrees.
More than 1,200 Hispanic students earned their bachelor’s degrees from UCF in the 2009-2010 academic year. Nearly 180 students received master’s degrees from UCF that year.
The magazine is sent to high schools around the country with large Hispanic student populations to provide students and parents with information about what schools might offer them the best opportunities for higher education.
UCF placed in the top 10 for degrees awarded to Hispanics in several categories. UCF ranked 10th for education, fifth for business and marketing, seventh for health services and sciences and ninth for psychology.
The rankings demonstrate UCF’s commitment to helping students of all backgrounds succeed. The university provides support services such as tutoring and counseling while looking for innovative ways to engage students and their parents.
For example, UCF offers orientation sessions in Spanish for parents of students who feel more comfortable speaking their native tongue. In addition, UCF’s Board of Trustees earlier this year approved an undergraduate program in Latin American Studies. The program, which will begin in the fall, will prepare students to understand, study and work with Hispanic populations throughout the world.