University of South Florida

Overview

Acronyms: USF

Founded: 1956

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #308

Rank in United States: #70

Motto: Truth and Wisdom

Colours: Green and gold

Mascot: Rocky the Bull

Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Tampa (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Florida.

This institution also has branch campuses in St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Lakeland.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, University of South Florida (USF) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of South Florida (USF) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 68-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

USF also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for University of South Florida. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for University of South Florida: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Structures

To understand where programmes live within University of South Florida, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.

Programs Offered

All active programmes at University of South Florida are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

How to apply to University of South Florida

A short guide to applying to University of South Florida — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

1. 1
   Research programmes at University of South Florida

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of South Florida runs 219 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Review admissions criteria

   Before applying to University of South Florida, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

3. 3
   Gather supporting documents

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of South Florida's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Lodge your application

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.usf.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Confirm receipt and track progress

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (813) 974 2011. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of South Florida

Quick answers to the most common questions about University of South Florida — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Top universities in the United States differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Looking at higher education options close to University of South Florida? These nearby campuses share similar academic structures and may suit students prioritising proximity to home or family. Regional ties also affect access to internships and local employer networks.

The University of Tampa

Tampa · Private · Rank #4219

HI

Hillsborough Community College

Tampa · Public · Est. 1968

American Association for Physician Leadership

Tampa · Est. 1975

JO

Joint Special Operations University

Tampa · Est. 2000

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

For students considering Social & Cultural Studies, these the United States institutions deliver the discipline alongside University of South Florida. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Universities Often Compared with University of South Florida

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to University of South Florida in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

Colorado State University

Fort Collins · Public · Rank #304

Lee University

Cleveland · Private · Rank #314

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington · Public · Rank #302

Rice University

Houston · Private · Rank #315

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst · Public · Rank #298