What is PaCE?
Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE) is an enrollment pathway that allows freshmen to start their University of Florida degree online and transition to campus later to complete their undergraduate education. Since 2015, PaCE has expanded access to a UF education by offering qualified students a flexible path to a UF degree while maintaining UF’s academic standards.
Students do not apply separately to PaCE. All first-time-in-college students who apply for residential admission to a PaCE-eligible major are automatically considered for PaCE admissions as part of the standard freshman admissions review.
PaCE students have access to over 60 majors in the PaCE program. To learn more, visit the Office of Admissions webpage.
How PaCE Works
PaCE students begin their UF journey fully online through UF Online for at least two semesters while completing both general and major-specific transition requirements. More information about these requirements can be found in the section below. While enrolled in UF Online coursework, PaCE students benefit from the same instructors, curriculum and academic rigor as on-campus students, at a reduced tuition rate with fewer required fees. U.S. News & World Report ranked UF Online the No. 1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program overall in 2026, recognizing the program’s academic excellence, affordability and student support.
Transition to Campus
Students admitted to UF through PaCE begin their academics fully online and may transition to campus after meeting the requirements below:
- Earn a total of 60 total credits (up to 45 credits may come from previous college credits earned through AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment or other accelerated methods)
- Enroll in UF Online for at least two semesters and earn at least 15 credit hours
- Complete all major-specific prerequisite coursework and transition requirements
Because transition requirements vary by college and major, students should routinely connect with their PaCE Academic Advisor for guidance and academic planning.
PaCE Student Experience
Fully online coursework through UF Online allows students to learn from anywhere with 24/7 technical support. PaCE students may live in Gainesville, remain at home or travel while completing their classes—all while building connections, maintaining academic momentum and preparing for a successful transition to campus.
PaCE Resources
PaCE students are Gators from day one, with access to a range of resources including:
- Academic Advising
- OneStop Student Services
- Student Organizations and Clubs
- Career Connection Center Services
- UF Libraries and Study Spaces
- Research Opportunities
- Study Abroad and Exchange Programs
- The Gator Network Platform
- Select Counseling and Wellness Services
Optional Fee Package
PaCE students can opt into the Optional Fee Package, for access to additional resources including:
- Greek Life
- Student Recreational & Fitness Center
- Student Government
- Recreational and Intramural Sports
- Student tickets for sporting events
- Student Health Care Center
- Full access to Counseling and Wellness Services
- UF signature events and Gator Nights
- And more!
With the Optional Fee Package, PaCE students enjoy nearly everything UF student life has to offer.
Important Considerations
- Enrollment: PaCE students must be enrolled in a PaCE major. If an admitted student is not comfortable graduating from one of these majors, the PaCE program may not be the best fit for their academic goals.
- Housing: PaCE students who live in Gainesville must live off campus while enrolled in UF Online.
- Student Activities: PaCE students are eligible to participate in recreational and intramural sports but are not eligible for NCAA varsity athletics.
- Course Modality: PaCE students may not enroll in or attend in-person courses until they have completed their campus transition requirements. *
* PaCE majors within the College of the Arts, as well as students participating in ROTC or band have on-campus requirements during the first two years. PaCE students in these programs should plan to reside in the Gainesville area.
Because many residential students take online courses and live off campus, the PaCE student experience is often very similar to the traditional UF experience. Each PaCE journey is unique, with students finding meaningful ways to connect, engage and build a sense of belonging within the UF community.
The PaCE Experience
Have you recently been admitted to PaCE?
Congratulations, Gator! We can help you learn more and take your next steps.
We’re Here for You
If you’re looking for general information about PaCE, contact pace@ufonline.ufl.edu. Our team can share program details and resources to help you learn more.
