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43.9%Acceptance
$6,410Tuition
36,299Students
75%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$57,743Earnings
#6 in FloridaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of South Florida

USF has grown from a small regional campus founded in 1956 into a major research university that enrolls 36,299 students in Tampa. The school built its reputation around health sciences and engineering programs, attracting students who want hands-on research opportunities at a large public university. Notable graduates include Jim Morrison of The Doors and NFL running back Giovani Bernard. With an acceptance rate of 43.93% and average SAT scores of 1235, USF attracts solid students who want a big university experience without the ultra-competitive admissions of Florida's flagship schools.

The money picture looks reasonable for a research university of this size. After financial aid, students pay an average net price of $10,043 per year, which drops to just $4,785 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $57,743 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $17,988. That creates monthly loan payments of $191, which most graduates can handle given their earning potential. Only 24.71% of students take federal loans, suggesting many families can afford the costs without heavy borrowing.

The student body tilts 56.36% female and draws heavily from Florida, with 84.91% coming from in-state. The Bulls compete in Division I athletics across 16 sports, giving the large campus a traditional college atmosphere that many Florida students prefer over smaller schools.

Academics & Faculty

USF built its reputation as a research university around health sciences and engineering, with medical and nursing programs that consistently rank among Florida's best. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in introductory courses, but students can still access faculty through office hours and research opportunities. With a 74.6% six-year graduation rate, most students finish their degrees, though the large size means you need to be proactive about getting help when you need it. The university's research focus creates opportunities for undergraduates to work in labs, particularly in areas like public health, marine science, and computer engineering where USF has made its mark.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
72.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
74.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
74.6%
Retention Rate
91.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,743
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $111,992
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $109,459
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $97,850
Computer Systems Analysis. Master $87,604
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $86,867
Engineering-Related Fields. Master $84,100
Homeland Security. Master $76,460
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $75,518
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Doctoral $73,949
Medical Illustration and Informatics. Master $73,321

View all 215 programs →

Campus Life

Tampa's year-round warmth means you'll pack sunscreen instead of winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees. The University of South Florida sits right in Tampa, giving you easy access to beaches, internships, and a thriving job market. With housing capacity at 7,429 students but total enrollment at 36,299, only about 20% of students live on campus, so most upperclassmen rent apartments nearby.

Weekend life revolves around Bulls football games in the fall, especially when rivals like UCF visit. The campus buzzes with activity since 84.91% of students come from Florida, creating a local vibe where many students go home on some weekends. Tampa's downtown scene offers plenty of restaurants and nightlife within a 15-minute drive. Students often head to nearby beaches like Clearwater or St. Pete, both about 30 minutes away. The large student body of 36,299 means you'll find every type of group and activity, from research opportunities at this major public university to intramural sports and hundreds of student organizations.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
7,429 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1956

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 11 4 0 0
Dating Violence 8 4 1 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 11 0 0 1
Aggravated Assault 2 1 1 7
Domestic Violence 5 0 1 1
Rape 3 3 0 1
Burglary 3 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 1 1
Fondling 2 0 0 0
Murder 1 0 0 0

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 South Florida draws mostly Florida residents who stay close to home for a solid education at a good price. With 84.91% in-state enrollment, this school has built a strong reputation within Florida rather than chasing national rankings. The student body reflects Tampa's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing USF serves working-class families who want their kids to get degrees without crushing debt. The slight female majority makes sense given the school's popular health sciences programs, which traditionally attract more women than men.
Men
43.6%
Women
56.4%
White
44.4%
Black
7.9%
Hispanic
23.3%
Asian
8.6%
In-State Students
84.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.9%

Location

The University of South Florida sits in Tampa, a major city of 400,000 people on Florida's Gulf Coast. Tampa offers big-city amenities like professional sports teams, internship opportunities, and a busy downtown, while beaches are just 30 minutes away. The warm climate means outdoor activities happen year-round, and the city's growing tech and healthcare sectors provide job prospects after graduation. With 84.91% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Florida's culture and weather. The urban setting gives students access to restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events that smaller college towns can't match. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare University of South Florida with similar schools in the region.
Address
Tampa, Florida 33620-9951
Hillsborough Army Airfield - FL 15 Jan
Hillsborough Army Airfield - FL 15 Jan
Moffitt Cancer Center viewed from east
Moffitt Cancer Center viewed from east
Watertower usf tampa
Watertower usf tampa

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,743
Median Earnings (5 years)
$57,660
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,400
Loan Repayment Rate
57.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$191/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,988

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Florida?

University of South Florida admits 43.93% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1330 on the SAT. This research university draws primarily from Florida, with 84.91% of students coming from in-state.

How much does University of South Florida cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,043 annually at University of South Florida. In-state tuition runs just $6,410, while out-of-state students pay $17,324. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $17,988.

What academic programs is University of South Florida known for?

University of South Florida operates as a major public research institution with particularly strong health sciences and engineering programs. The university serves 36,299 students with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1956, USF has quickly established itself as a rising research university in the Southeast.

What do graduates earn after attending University of South Florida?

University of South Florida graduates earn a median salary of $57,743 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.0%, reflecting strong job market outcomes. With 74.60% of students graduating within six years, most students complete their degrees and enter the workforce successfully.

Where is University of South Florida located and what is campus life like?

University of South Florida sits in Tampa, a large city that provides internship and job opportunities for students. The campus houses 7,429 students in residence halls, creating a active community despite the large enrollment of 36,299. Student retention stands at 91.44%, indicating high satisfaction with the campus experience.

Does University of South Florida compete in Division I athletics?

University of South Florida Bulls compete in NCAA Division I as members of the American Conference. The athletic program fields 16 varsity sports with 480 total athletes supported by over $12.4 million in athletic scholarships. The university's athletic program has gained national recognition since moving to Division I status.