,·Public Research University·Est. 1956
“A top-ranked public research university in Tampa Bay — driving innovation, health sciences, and entrepreneurship in one of Florida's fastest-growing regions.”
The University of South Florida, founded in 1956, is one of the largest and most dynamic public research universities in the American South. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 research institution — placing it among the elite tier of research universities nationwide. The university has achieved this status through rapid growth in research funding, doctoral program quality, and community partnerships. USF is particularly known for its health sciences programs, anchored by the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, one of the most research-active medical schools in Florida. The Muma College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Public Health round out a strong professional education portfolio. USF's investment in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science has accelerated in recent years, aligning with Tampa Bay's booming tech economy. The Tampa Bay area is one of the most dynamic markets in the US — home to major financial firms, healthcare systems, military installations, and a rapidly growing tech sector. USF graduates are highly sought by regional and national employers, and the university's location near world-class beaches, international airports, and a thriving cultural scene makes it one of Florida's most attractive campus experiences.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Top Public Schools
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Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action
Non-binding — priority deadline for scholarships
Regular Decision
Rolling admissions through March
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$6,410
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$20,749
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
A leading health sciences complex including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health, with strong clinical research and community partnerships.
An AACSB-accredited business school with strong programs in finance, accounting, and information technology, benefitting from Tampa Bay's growing financial sector.
A growing engineering college with strong programs in computer science, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering, tied to Tampa Bay's expanding tech industry.
USF's largest college, offering a broad range of programs across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
4 years
AACSB-accredited; standout programs in entrepreneurship (Princeton Review top-25 grad entrepreneurship since 2008), business analytics, supply chain, and information systems. Strong Tampa Bay corporate recruiting pipeline.
4 years
Sustained leader in cybersecurity research with NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designations; strong industry partnerships with Florida defense, healthcare, and tech employers.
4 years
Direct linkages to USF Health and Tampa General Hospital give pre-med undergraduates unusual clinical access. SELECT MD program (with Lehigh Valley Health Network) is a notable accelerated pathway.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $0
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
