University of South Florida

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Tampa, FL
  • 4.0 4 reviews
#3 Best Public Universities in Florida

Overview

Total enrollment

49,622
University of South Florida overview
University of South Florida overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of South Florida's main campus spans 1,500 acres in north Tampa, Florida, situated in a metropolitan area along Florida's Gulf Coast. Founded in 1956, USF operates as a public research university in the state university system, with its campus characterized by modern academic buildings and subtropical landscaping. The university maintains competitive admission standards and serves as the Tampa Bay region's primary research institution, with notable strength in medical sciences, engineering, global sustainability, and business programs. USF's campus features extensive student housing options across multiple residential complexes, while its athletics program competes in NCAA Division I as the Bulls in the American Athletic Conference, with particular emphasis on football and basketball. The university's location provides students access to Tampa's business district, medical centers, and cultural attractions, all within a 30-minute drive.

Ratings

USF Main Campus is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    8 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    6 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging
University of South Florida admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1130/1320
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 24/29

Acceptance Rate

43.2%
University of South Florida applications overview
  • Applications Due May 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 23.3%
  • Application Fee $30

Applicant Competition Average

Very Low
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Annual Cost to Attend

Florida Resident Tuition

$6,410

Out of State Resident Tuition

$17,324

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of South Florida
  • Tuition $6,410
  • Books and Supplies $770
  • Other Fees $1,851
  • Room and Board $14,440
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,896
  • Total One Year Cost $28,367

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$46,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

52% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of South Florida are Business, Social Sciences, and Biology. 20% of students major in Business, 16% in Social Sciences, and 10% in Biology.

  • Business 20%
  • Social Sciences 16%
  • Biology 10%
  • Psychology 9%
  • Education 8%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of South Florida are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=137351.

GPA calculator: University of South Florida GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026