University of South Florida official logo

University of South Florida

Tampa, United States • Founded 1956 • QS 2027 #761-770

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: usf.edu

Overview

Acronyms: USF
Founded: 1956
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #761-770 Times Higher Education 2026 #351-400 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #401-500 CWTS Leiden 2025 #719 SCImago 2026 #308
Motto: Truth and Wisdom
Colours: Green and gold
Mascot: Rocky the Bull
University of South Florida official logo

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

Geographic and contact information for University of South Florida is listed below.

Address: 4202 East Fowler Avenue
Postal Code: 33620-9951
Phone: +1 (813) 974 2011
Fax: +1 (813) 974 9689
Email: ucm@usf.edu
Social Media:

Academic Details

University of South Florida's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 37,207
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
State University System of Florida (SUSF) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which University of South Florida delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 23 items
  • Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Design, Art and Performance
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Marine Science
  • College of Medicine
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Public Health
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Honors College
  • Patel College of Global Sustainability
  • School of Accountancy
  • School of Architecture and Community Design
  • School of Art and Art History
  • School of Library and Information Science
  • School of Music
  • School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • School of Theatre and Dance Arts
  • Taneja College of Pharmacy

Programs Offered

University of South Florida's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

218 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 80 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 80.

Master's Degree 89 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences

Showing 10 of 89.

Doctorate 41 programmes

Doctorate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Doctorate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Showing 10 of 41.

Professional Doctorate 5 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate's Degree 1 programme

Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership

How to apply to University of South Florida

A short guide to applying to University of South Florida — five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at University of South Florida

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of South Florida runs 218 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 ucm@usf.edu 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 reference for University of South Florida: founding, control type, and recognition status.

When did University of South Florida open?

University of South Florida traces its founding to 1956 (approximately 70 years ago).

In which city is University of South Florida?

University of South Florida is based in Tampa, United States.

Is University of South Florida public or private?

University of South Florida is a public institution.

How many students study at University of South Florida?

University of South Florida has approximately 37,207 students.

How is University of South Florida ranked?

It ranks QS 2027 #761-770.

How is University of South Florida organised academically?

University of South Florida is organised into 23 academic units across its disciplines.

Is University of South Florida accredited?

University of South Florida is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is University of South Florida's official website?

University of South Florida's official website is www.usf.edu.

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.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

University of South Florida and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

The institutions below are geographically close to University of South Florida.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

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