University of South Florida
A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a major research university experience. no major red flags in the data. strong 77% graduation rate.
About This School
University of South Florida is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida with approximately 37,207 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 43% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $9,812 per year. The graduation rate is 77%, and the typical graduate earns $48,500 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university with its main campus located in Tampa, Florida, United States, and other campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. It is one of 12 members of the State University System of Florida. USF is home to 14 colleges, offering more than 240 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral-level degree programs. USF is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is designated by the Florida Board of Governors as one of three Preeminent State Research Universities.
This is a strong option for students who want serious research opportunities at a very affordable price — the average net cost of just over $10,000/year and a median debt of under $15,000 at graduation make it one of the better financial values among large public universities. The 91% freshman retention rate signals that students generally like it once they arrive, and the R1 research designation means real academic resources across its 240+ programs. The 75% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional for a selective school, so students who need strong support systems to finish should look closely at whether Tampa's campus culture is the right fit.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (1997-98). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (37,207 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Source: University of South Florida Common Data Set (1997-98).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Florida
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL · Public
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
Valencia College
Orlando, FL · Public
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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