Welcome to PaCE!

Find answers to common questions about PaCE, including academics, online coursework and the transition to campus.

Explore why students choose UF Online, ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report in 2026 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, for a flexible, high-quality UF education.

Connect with your PaCE academic advisor to learn more about academic planning and transition requirements for your major.

While enrolled in UF Online coursework, PaCE students save about 40% in tuition and fees compared to on-campus enrollment for both Florida and non-Florida residents.

Discover optional services and campus resources available to PaCE students who want additional on-campus access.

While enrolled in UF Online coursework, PaCE students are ineligible for on-campus housing. Students who plan to live in Gainesville are encouraged to explore off-campus housing options during this phase of their program.

Which majors are offered through PaCE?

PaCE students have access to over 60 majors through the PaCE program. For a complete and up-to-date list of available majors, visit the Office of Admissions webpage.

Why aren’t all UF majors available through PaCE? What if my intended major isn’t offered?

Some majors have high on-campus demand and limited capacity, which makes them unavailable through PaCE. Students admitted to PaCE must select and enroll in a PaCE-eligible major, with more than 60 majors available to choose from.

If your intended major is not offered through PaCE, we encourage you to speak with an academic advisor to explore whether one of the available majors aligns with your academic goals. You may also wish to consider other UF pathways or offers from other institutions to determine the best overall fit for your plans.

Can I change the major listed on my application to another PaCE major?

Yes – the sooner, the better.

You may request a major change:

• When registering for Preview (orientation), or
• After Preview by working with your academic advisor

Changes are limited to majors that are available through PaCE.

Can I declare a minor as a PaCE student?

You may declare a minor after transitioning to campus. Work with your academic advisor to ensure the minor fits within your academic plan to stay on track.

I was admitted as an Exploratory major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Can I change to a major in a different college?

Yes, as long as it’s an approved PaCE major. To change your major, you will work with the academic advisor who oversees the new major.

Can I double major as a PaCE student?

PaCE students may double major within two PaCE-approved majors, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

If you are interested in a double major where one major is not offered through PaCE discuss your options with your academic advisor. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on academic feasibility and program capacity.

How can I get involved and engage with other students while being 100% online?

Available to All PaCE Students
PaCE students are Gators from day one and can stay engaged while completing UF Online coursework through academic advising, OneStop Student Services, student organizations and clubs, career services, UF Libraries, research opportunities and study abroad programs.

PaCE students are also encouraged to join the Gator Network to connect with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and mentors across the entire Gator Nation. UF Online’s community within the Gator Network is a great way for PaCE students to stay connected to opportunities, both on and off campus.

Optional Fee Package (for students living in or near Gainesville)
PaCE students who opt into the Optional Fee Package can access additional resources, including Greek life, RecSports and intramurals, Student Government, campus events, student tickets for athletic events, the Student Health Care Center, UF signature events like Gator Nights and more—making it possible to experience nearly all aspects of campus life while completing coursework online.

Where do PaCE students live?

PaCe students can complete their coursework from anywhere, including Gainesville. Due to space limitations, PaCE students cannot live on campus prior to transitioning to campus.

Students planning to live in Gainesville can explore off-campus housing options and roommate matching through UF’s Off Campus Life resources. 

Will I have access to internships, research and other experiential learning opportunities?

Yes! PaCE students have access to internships, research and other experiential learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore undergraduate research through the Center for Undergraduate Research, as well as global learning opportunities through the International Center.

The Gator Network and the Career Connections Center are also great resources for discovering internships and experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.

Are there activities or services I cannot access until I transition to campus?

While enrolled in UF Online courses, you are not automatically charged the activity and service fee, health fee, transportation fee, athletic fee, or GatorOne Service Fee.

As a result, some activities and services funded by these fees are not included unless you opt into the Optional Fee Package. Opting in provides access to many student activities and services.

Do PaCE students have access to UF gyms and recreation facilities?

Yes! PaCE students may purchase a membership or gain access by opting into the  Optional Fee Package. Visit the RecSports website for details.

Can I participate in Greek Life while enrolled in UF Online?

Yes, with the Optional Fee Package.

Social fraternities and sororities are national organizations with their own eligibility, rushing and membership requirements. Questions? Contact the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life at UF –  UF-Greeks@ufl.edu.

Can I contact an advisor before committing to PaCE?

Yes! You are encouraged to contact your academic advisor if you have questions about:

• Your major or alternative PaCE major options
• Academic planning prior to enrollment

For questions that are not academic or major-specific, contact the UF Office of Admissions at freshman@ufl.edu.

Who is my academic advisor?

Your academic advisor is assigned based on your major. Find yours here.

If you are admitted as an Exploratory major, you will work with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) advising team.

Will my academic advisor change after I transition to campus?

It depends on your major.

When registering for classes, can I only select the “UF Online Program” option?

Yes, prior to transitioning to campus, PaCE students cannot attend classes in person and must register for UF Online course sections.

Use the “UF Online Program” dropdown in the UF Schedule of Courses. Online sections reserved for campus-based students are not permitted, in part due to the difference in tuition rates. Course registrations are reviewed during drop/add, and incorrect enrollments may be adjusted.

Will my online classes be live or prerecorded?

Most UF Online courses are prerecorded and asynchronous, meaning you can access lectures and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Some courses may include occasional live (synchronous) sessions, such as lectures or discussions, which will be scheduled and communicated in advance. Students are encouraged to review their syllabi before drop/add to ensure they can participate in the course, as intended.

After I transition to campus, will my classes be in-person or online?

After transitioning, you will have access to the full catalog of campus-based courses, including both in-person and online sections of courses.

Course delivery depends on the college, department, course and instructor. 

Do I have to transition to campus?

No. After completing all PaCE transition requirements, students may choose to transition to campus or remain enrolled in UF Online to complete their degree. Students who opt to stay in UF Online continue to benefit from its flexibility and cost savings; however, once this choice is made, students may not transition to campus at a later time. Students who choose to remain in UF Online will need to select a UF Online major if they are not already enrolled in one.

Will I take classes with non-PaCE students?

Yes. While enrolled in UF Online, you will take classes with other UF Online students, including those who will remain fully online and will not transition to campus.

After transitioning, you will take classes with campus-based students.

What is the minimum number of classes I must take each semester?

Students may enroll full time or part time; however, it’s important to consider how course load may impact financial aid eligibility and benefits.

Per UF policy, undergraduate students who enroll in at least one course in one term during an academic year are considered continuously enrolled. Students receiving financial aid, including Bright Futures or other scholarships or aid, will need to meet a higher minimum enrollment.

For guidance, contact the UF Online OneStop.   

Can I attend office hours in person with my professors?

Yes! Office hour formats vary by course and instructor. Check your class syllabus for details.

Are PaCE students required to take summer classes?

All UF undergraduates must complete 9 credit hours of summer coursework at a Florida state university; summer hours at a state or community college do not count. There is no requirement for when PaCE students must complete these credits. Students may choose to fulfill this requirement while in UF Online or after they transition to campus.

Can I take UF Online classes in the summer?

Yes! UF Online offers classes every semester, including fall, spring and summer. The PaCE program starts in fall, so students can take UF Online classes in future summer semesters.

After my first year, can I take summer classes in-person?

PaCE students may not enroll in on-campus classes until all campus transition requirements are met, with limited exceptions such as:

• Chemistry lab bootcamp sessions
• Band
• ROTC
• Major-specific studio courses (e.g. Art, Dance, Music)

How do required on-campus studio courses work for PaCE students?

PaCE students in the College of the Arts may be required to take certain studio courses on campus during their online enrollment. For more information, check with your academic advisor.

If I decline my PaCE offer and later apply to UF as a transfer student, will I be penalized?

No, there is no penalty for declining a PaCE offer, earning an AA degree elsewhere and later applying to UF as an upper-division transfer student.

Transfer admission is not guaranteed and is reviewed on a college-by-college basis. Be sure to review your intended major’s transfer requirements to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You can read about transfer admissions here.

Can I speed up my transition to campus by taking classes elsewhere during the summer after I graduate from high school? 

No. While prior college credit may count toward the total credits needed to transition, you must complete at least two semesters and a minimum of 15 credits through UF Online before transitioning to campus.

In addition, you must earn 60 total credits and complete both the general and major-specific transition requirements before becoming eligible to transition. Up to 45 of those credits may come from previously earned college credit, such as AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment, or other accelerated coursework.

You may take college courses at another institution during the summer before beginning PaCE. However, to remain classified as a freshman, you may not earn more than 11 college credits between high school graduation and your first term of enrollment at UF.

To remain eligible for PaCE, you must also earn a minimum college GPA of 2.0.

Because pre-enrollment coursework can affect your eligibility and academic plan, PaCE students should speak with their academic advisor before enrolling in any courses at another institution to ensure they align with your degree requirements and PaCE policies.

How many credits can I take before enrolling at UF and still be considered a freshman?

To retain freshman status, you may not complete more than 11 college credits between high school graduation and your first enrollment at UF.

Can I take classes at another institution while enrolled in UF Online (as a transient student)?

Possibly. Transient enrollment requires approval and guidance from your academic advisor to ensure courses apply appropriately to your degree plan. . Each college has a different policy on whether or not they allow transient enrollment for PaCE students while in UF Online. 

How do I calculate how many credits I am bringing from high school (AP, IB, AICE or Dual Enrollment)?

Your academic advisor will review your earned credits with you during Preview (orientation).

You can also review UF’s exam credit policies to better understand how credits may apply toward your degree.

How can I be considered for financial aid and scholarships?

PaCE students are eligible for federal, state and institutional aid, including Bright Futures for Florida residents.

To be considered, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). For questions or individualized guidance, contact the UF Online OneStop.

Is PaCE tuition discounted? How do Florida Prepaid and Bright Futures apply?

During the online portion of the PaCE program, students save approximately 40% in tuition and fees compared to the on-campus rate.

Bright Futures pays according to your scholarship level at the on-campus tuition and fees rate per credit hour. Any remaining funds are refunded to you via Direct Deposit.

For detailed and up-to-date cost information, please review the Freshman PaCE Costs – University of Florida.

Does Bright Futures cover the Optional Fee Package?

Bright Futures pays according to your scholarship level at the on-campus tuition and fees rate per credit hour. Depending on your award, the Optional Fee Package may be covered.

What about the Benacquisto Scholarship?

Eligibility and coverage details for the Benacquisto Scholarship vary. Review the Benacquisto Scholarship information for current requirements and funding details.

How can I get started with Federal Work-Study?

Students interested in Federal Work-Study should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for available opportunities and eligibility requirements. Additional information can be found here. 

Can I participate in UF Study Abroad or an exchange program as a PaCE student? Can it replace my online classes?

PaCE students can participate in Study Abroad and university exchange programs if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Each Study Abroad program has different eligibility requirements.

Study Abroad does not replace the required two semesters and 15 credits completed through UF Online. Always confirm that Study Abroad coursework applies to your major by working with your academic advisor.

Can I graduate with honors as a PaCE student?

Yes. PaCE students can graduate with honors if they meet the requirements for their major.

Students who transition to campus after one year are eligible to apply for lateral admission to the University Honors Program as sophomores. 

Will taking online courses through PaCE affect my eligibility for graduate or professional school?

UF transcripts do not distinguish between online and in-person coursework.  

Some graduate or professional programs (most commonly in health-related fields) may ask whether specific courses were completed online. Requirements vary by institution.  Students are encouraged to discuss their professional goals with their advisor.

How does PaCE work for pre-health majors and required in-person labs?

Pre-health pathways are available through the Microbiology and Cell Sciences and Nutritional Sciences majors in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Because professional health programs have varying prerequisites and expectations – particularly related to lab coursework – early and ongoing planning with your academic advisor is essential. Some programs may require in-person lab experiences or have specific policies regarding online or transient coursework.