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As the Hispanic population booms in Central Florida, the University of Central Florida continues to make strides to recruit, retain and graduate Hispanic students.

That's why Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine has named UCF one of the best 100 colleges in the United States for Hispanic students.

The magazine for college educators ranked UCF 16th in its list of universities that help Hispanic students earn bachelor's degrees. The university moved up three spots from last year. And, for the first time, UCF was named among the best for helping Hispanic students earn doctorates, ranking 83rd.

Using data from the U.S. Department of Education, Hispanic Outlook rated public and private universities throughout the country. The rankings appeared in the magazine's May 8 issue.

UCF ranked 42nd, down one spot from last years' rating, for working with Hispanic students to obtain master's degrees. The magazine will be sent to high schools across the country with high Hispanic student populations "to provide students and their parents information about what schools may be best when they pursue a college education," said Hispanic Outlook publisher Jose Lopez-Isa.