Overview
University of South Florida is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Tampa, Florida. The school accepts 43.9% of applicants and enrolls 36,299 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 43.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,235
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,140–1,330
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 36,299
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
USF operates on rolling admissions, which means your application gets stronger consideration if you submit early in the cycle. Apply by November for the best chances, as spots fill throughout the year and competition increases with later submissions.
Strong applications highlight specific involvement rather than generic activities. USF wants to see depth in your extracurriculars, especially leadership roles or sustained commitment to particular causes. If you've worked while in high school, emphasize this experience since many USF students balance work and academics.
The Judy Genshaft Honors College requires a separate application with additional essays. Write about intellectual projects you've pursued independently, not just classroom achievements. The honors program offers priority registration, smaller classes, and research opportunities that can significantly improve your undergraduate experience.
USF's engineering programs, particularly computer and electrical engineering, connect directly with Tampa Bay's growing tech sector. Mention specific faculty research or the school's partnerships with companies like Tech Data and Raymond James if engineering interests you. The nursing program also stands out for its clinical partnerships with Tampa General Hospital and other regional healthcare systems.
Campus culture centers around school spirit and community involvement. Students take Bulls football and basketball seriously, and Greek life plays a notable role in social activities. The diverse student body includes many first-generation college students and working students, creating a supportive rather than competitive academic environment.
Your essays should address how you'll contribute to campus life beyond academics. USF values students who engage with the broader Tampa community through service learning, internships, or cultural activities. Avoid writing generic essays about diversity or leadership without connecting them to specific USF opportunities.
Submit your housing application immediately after acceptance if you want to live on campus. Popular residence halls fill quickly, and living on campus significantly improves your freshman year experience at this large university.
Consider USF if you want a large research university experience with strong regional connections, especially in healthcare, engineering, or business. The school works well for students who prefer warm weather year-round and don't mind a campus that feels more like a small city than a traditional college town.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $10,043/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $6,410
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $17,324
- Students Receiving Aid
- 30%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,743/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 91.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of South Florida require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of South Florida requires either SAT or ACT scores for freshman admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for University of South Florida?
University of South Florida has a priority application deadline of November 1 for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does University of South Florida offer early decision or early action?
University of South Florida does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed through the regular admission process.
How many credits can transfer students bring to University of South Florida?
University of South Florida accepts up to 60 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours from four-year institutions. Transfer students must complete at least 30 credit hours at USF to earn a degree.