The University of South Florida (USF) is proud to sit among the best Florida institutions as one of only three Preeminent Research Universities in the state. With three campuses located in the vibrant Tampa Bay region, and an array of degree options, USF offers students a college experience that fits their unique learning styles and personalities while providing the resources needed for lifelong success.
In September 2019, U.S. News & World Report named USF the nation’s fastest-rising university on the list of the best public universities in America. Since 2015, USF has jumped 44 spots, going from #88 to #44.
This highlights the University’s ability to prepare students with a bold vision for the future. From cost to campus life to the local community, USF provides an incredible college experience designed for those ready to shape tomorrow.
Location
USF’s location in one of the nation’s most vibrant metropolitan communities offers the best of both worlds: incredible shopping, sports and cultural attractions balanced by stunning natural beauty. In fact, nearby Clearwater Beach is rated the best beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, while two other Bay-area beaches also made the top 10 list for 2019.
Affordability
As a major metropolitan university dedicated to serving students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, USF is committed to offering a quality education at an affordable cost. In 2018–19, USF offered students more than $504 million in financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities. In fact, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance rated USF a “Top 100 Best Value in Public Colleges” for 2019.
The University also remains affordable to out-of-state students, offering tuition rates that are in line or better than other state universities. That affordability supports students from all backgrounds. U.S. News & World Report ranked USF 9th among U.S. public universities in 2020 for social mobility, which includes success enrolling, retaining and graduating students from families with lower incomes who receive federal Pell Grants.
Opportunity
USF doesn’t just offer students an affordable education. It offers a quality one bolstered by a strong economy in a dynamic metropolitan region. In fact, several Fortune 500 companies make Tampa Bay home, positioning students to secure valuable internships, employment opportunities and real-world experience. USF Career Services helps make it possible with assistance throughout the employment process, from the résumé to the interview and beyond.
USF offers more than 240 degree options for students, and there are continued investments in academic programs, facilities and faculty. This includes the expansion of USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute into downtown Tampa with a state-of-the-art facility that opened in January 2020.
Study Abroad
Live a story worth sharing with study abroad at USF. These trips prepare students for the global economy through an expanded worldview, new cross-cultural communication skills, résumé highlights and more. USF offers dozens of unique programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and beyond, featuring courses in multiple disciplines. As a globally focused university, USF encourages all students to experience at least one international learning opportunity.
Although these programs offer priceless memories, students can still study on a budget. Many financial aid and study-abroad scholarship opportunities exist, including the more than $883,000 in annual scholarships USF awards.
Campus Life
USF is made up of three separate locations, each with their own academic, cultural and campus highlights.
At USF Tampa, students enjoy the benefits of a major metropolitan university, including more than 600 student clubs and organizations, NCAA sports and frequent on-campus events. Over 44,000 students attend USF Tampa, and undergraduates can choose from more than 180 majors and concentrations.
As USF’s mid-sized campus, USF St. Petersburg offers a more relaxed academic experience on stunning Bayboro Harbor in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Students can choose from 28 undergraduate degrees, 17 master’s programs and 11 certificate options. Outside of class, students take advantage of many campus and community attractions, including various water recreation opportunities.
USF Sarasota-Manatee packs academic value into a tight-knit community. Students can choose from more than 35 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. For some, those lessons extend past the classroom into the Mote Marine Laboratory or the Culinary Innovation Lab, which offer experiential learning opportunities.
No matter which campus students choose, they are backed by the resources and academic strength of the entire USF community. This collection of power and possibility prepares those who are dedicated to changing tomorrow for the better. The only question is — what tomorrow do you want to see?