The University of Tampa: 26.4% Acceptance Rate

26.4%Acceptance

$33,424Tuition

10,093Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,436Earnings

#19 in FloridaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa draws 10,093 students to its distinctive campus along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The university built its reputation around strong business programs and its iconic main building, a former luxury hotel with Moorish minarets. Notable graduates include actor Freddie Prinze Jr. and former Florida Governor Bob Martinez. With a 26% acceptance rate, Tampa attracts students seeking a private university experience in a active urban setting.

Students pay an average net price of $35,634 after aid, though only 30% receive institutional grants averaging $13,659. The university charges the same $33,424 tuition regardless of residency, drawing 81% of students from out of state. Graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after graduation, making the typical $257 monthly loan payment manageable for most. The 65% loan repayment rate suggests graduates generally handle their debt well.

Tampa's campus houses 4,544 students, creating a residential college atmosphere in the heart of Florida's third-largest city. The Spartans compete in NCAA Division II with 539 athletes across 18 sports, backed by over $5 million in athletic scholarships. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio and 80% retention rate reflect solid academic support, though the 62% four-year graduation rate leaves room for improvement.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Tampa built its reputation around business programs, particularly finance and entrepreneurship. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 means classes stay manageable for personal attention from professors. The 63.71% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students take internships or co-ops that extend their timeline. Business students benefit from Tampa's corporate presence, with companies like Raymond James and Publix nearby for networking. The John H. Sykes College of Business attracts the most students on campus. Marine science also draws attention due to the waterfront location on the Hillsborough River. The 80.09% retention rate shows most students stick around after freshman year.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.9%
Retention Rate: 80.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,436
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$97,959
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$59,253
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$59,124
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,825
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$49,579
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$45,500
International Business.	Bachelor	$42,123
Economics.	Bachelor	$41,565
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$41,193
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$39,592

View all 72 programs →

Campus Life

Tampa's year-round sunshine means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, as temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees. The University of Tampa sits on a stunning riverfront campus in downtown Tampa, where the iconic Plant Hall's minarets dominate the skyline. With housing capacity for 4,544 students and total enrollment of 10,093, about 45% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community.

Weekend life revolves around the Hillsborough River waterfront and downtown Tampa's attractions. Students kayak along the campus riverwalk, explore Ybor City's nightlife, or catch Bucs and Lightning games just minutes away. The 58.71% female student body creates a social active that many describe as Greek life without the formal structure. With 80% of students from out-of-state, campus weekends stay lively as most students remain on campus. The Spartans compete in 18 Division II sports, and game days bring together the campus community. Tampa's internship opportunities in finance and business align perfectly with UT's reputation as a business-focused institution.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 4,544 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	5	4	0	0
Dating Violence	4	4	0	0
Burglary	1	1	3	0
Stalking	3	2	0	0
Fondling	1	1	1	0
Arson	0	0	0	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 52°–71°F
July Avg: 76°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The University of Tampa draws ambitious students from across the country, with over 80% coming from out-of-state to study business and other professional programs on the scenic Hillsborough River campus. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's popular business, health sciences, and communications programs. The student population is predominantly white at around 71%, with growing Hispanic representation at 13%. Most students come from middle and upper-middle-class families, as evidenced by the relatively low Pell Grant recipient rate of just 16%.

Men: 41.3%
Women: 58.7%
White: 70.5%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 12.9%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 19.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.6%

Location

The University of Tampa sits in downtown Tampa, Florida's third-largest city with over 380,000 residents. The campus occupies 110 acres along the Hillsborough River, just minutes from Tampa's business district and about 90 miles southwest of Orlando. Tampa Bay's metropolitan area houses nearly 3.2 million people, making it one of Florida's major urban centers. The city blends historic architecture with modern skyscrapers and offers year-round sunshine with average temperatures in the 70s. Students enjoy access to professional sports teams, internship opportunities in finance and healthcare, and beaches within 30 minutes of campus. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare The University of Tampa with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tampa, Florida 33606-1490

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,436
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,046
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,211

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Tampa?

The University of Tampa accepts 26.35% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts students primarily for its strong business programs and scenic waterfront campus location in downtown Tampa.

How much does The University of Tampa cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $35,634 per year, with total costs reaching $47,600 including room and board. Only 29.70% of students receive institutional grants averaging $13,659, reflecting the university's position as a private institution with limited need-based aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at The University of Tampa?

The University of Tampa maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 10,093 enrolled students. The school operates on a semester system and is particularly known for its comprehensive business programs that prepare students for careers in Florida's growing economy.

What are the employment outcomes for The University of Tampa graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.5% employment rate with median earnings of $59,436 ten years after graduation. The 61.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on practical career preparation, especially in business fields.

Where is The University of Tampa located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, housing 4,544 students in on-campus facilities. With 80.09% of students returning each year and a student body that is 58.71% female, the university creates a close-knit community in an urban setting.

Does The University of Tampa have strong athletic programs?

The Spartans compete in NCAA Division II with 18 varsity sports and 539 total athletes participating. The athletic program receives $5,304,023 in scholarship funding through the Sunshine State Conference, reflecting the university's commitment to both academics and athletics.