University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida, United States · Est. 1956 · Research University

AAU research powerhouse with nearly 50,000 students across Tampa Bay's vibrant region.

  • Founded December 18, 1956; fourth-largest university in Florida by enrollment
  • Public research university (R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity)
  • 14 colleges offering 240+ undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral programs
  • Member of Association of American Universities (AAU) since 2023
  • $750M in research funding (2025); $768M endowment (FY 2025)
  • Ranked #43 among all public universities (U.S. News 2025); top 16 medical school

Academics

USF offers over 240 degree programs across 14 colleges, including undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations as well as graduate, specialist, and professional degrees. The university is classified as R1: Doctoral Universities with very high research activity and is accredited by SACSCOC. Strong programs span engineering, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, business, and the arts. USF's Judy Genshaft Honors College serves high-achieving students, and the newly established Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing (2025) offers eight undergraduate and advanced degree programs.

Research & Innovation

USF is a major research institution spending $750M annually on research and development (2025). The university ranks 43rd nationally in R&D spending and is home to the National Academy of Inventors and Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. USF faculty, staff, students, and alumni collectively hold over 2,400 patents. As an AAU member, USF conducts groundbreaking research across biomedical sciences, sustainability, urban transportation, and materials simulation, with an annual economic impact of $6.6 billion for the Tampa Bay region.

Campus & Student Life

USF operates three campuses: Tampa (1,562 acres), St. Petersburg (52 acres), and Sarasota-Manatee (32 acres). The main Tampa campus features the Marshall Student Center, Botanical Gardens, Castor Beach, and extensive housing options. Students engage in 21 varsity NCAA Division I sports (American Conference), club sports, Greek life, ROTC, and over 600 student organizations. The university provides Living and Learning Communities, the SMART Lab, and expanded study spaces to support student success.

USF Health

As Tampa Bay's only academic medical center, USF Health comprises the Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, Taneja College of Pharmacy, and School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, established in 1986, is a leading cancer research and treatment facility. USF was the first university to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for specialized G.I. Bill services (2009).

Admissions & Affordability

USF offers competitive and affordable tuition rates among public universities. The university welcomes freshmen, transfer, graduate, and international students. Admissions pathways include Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Transfer options. USF is ranked #12 for best value among all public universities (U.S. News 2025) and provides extensive financial aid, scholarships, and the Genshaft/Greenbaum Passport Scholarship Fund for study abroad.

Founded
1956
Type
Research University
Courses
14
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationState University System of Florida
Websitehttp://www.usf.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
14
Avg career outcomes
$57.7K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources