University of South Florida – Fact Sheet

Location: Tampa, Florida, US

Type: Public research university

About:

The University of South Florida is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success. The USF System serves 47,000 students in four locations including its main Tampa campus on Florida’s west coast where students enjoy 360 days of sunshine and 32 kilometres of white sandy beaches.

USF is classified by the Carnegie Foundation in the top tier of research universities, a distinction attained by only 2.2 percent of all universities. It is also ranked 34th in federal research expenditures for public universities by the prestigious National Science Foundation.

USF was named one of the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges (#52) by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance for 2015.

With a student body representing over 130 different countries, USF is one of the 40 most diverse public universities in the country and the second most diverse public university in the state of Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report’s recent Diversity Index ratings.

USF’s main campus is often referred to as a “city within a city.” This is because the campus functions a lot like a small town. Students attend concerts and sporting events in their own stadium, dine and hang with friends at the student center and enjoy being part of a diverse population of students from across the U.S. and around the globe.

Students are provided with a number of opportunities to get social throughout the year. They join clubs, fraternities and sororities, cheer on the USF Bulls, attend art exhibits and free events, and interact with celebrities through the University Lecture Series. With more than 600 recognized student organizations for interests in everything from politics, religion, the arts, sports and more; there is always something to get in involved in.

There’s also plenty to do off campus, with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, historical areas to explore like Ybor City and multiple professional sports teams. You won’t ever get bored living in the Tampa Bay area.

Fast Facts:

• Recently designated as “Emerging Preeminent” by the Florida Board of Governors, placing the institution in an elite new category of Florida universities and providing millions of new dollars for targeted research investments
• 138 countries are represented at USF and the international student body is 8% of the total population
• Consistently ranked highly in numerous classifications, including for its graduate level programs and online education programs. USF continues to improve academically, being ranked among the best colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
• USF is one of the fastest growing research universities in the nation, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Arts and culture are prominent at USF with more than 300 yearly concerts, performances, exhibitions, lectures, symposia and festivals open to students and the community, many free of charge
• On-campus Botanical Gardens allows students and visitors to explore a living collection of more than 3,000 plants, animals and natural habitats on the southwest corner of campus. The gardens attract more than 35,000 visitors annually and house ongoing research projects

Athletics:

The University of South Florida athletics teams are known as the ‘South Florida Bulls’. They compete in the American Conference and are ranked in the NCAA Division I.

Men’s teams: Baseball, basketball, cross country/track, football, golf, soccer, and tennis.

Women’s teams: Basketball, cross country/track, soccer, golf, softball, sailing, tennis, and volleyball.

School Information:

Programs:

The USF Tampa campus offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and 130 graduate, specialist, and doctoral degree programs under 14 colleges. The most common areas of study are Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Business.

University of South Florida program information: www.usf.edu/Academics/index.asp

Housing:

There are 34 residence halls on the USF Tampa campus, offering traditional, suite, and apartment style housing. In total, these residential halls provide housing to more than 5,600 students. Each bedroom on the USF Tampa campus is furnished with a twin extra-long bed, dresser, desk and chair, trash can, and closet space for every resident. In 2009, the university implemented a new policy requiring all first-year, full-time undergraduate students to live on campus. The goal of the policy is to provide new students with a comprehensive educational experience.

In addition to on-campus housing, USF has formal relationships with five off-campus properties.

University of South Florida housing information: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/housing/

Entry Requirements:

Direct Entry Requirements: www.usf.edu/Admission/index.asp

Pathway Entry Requirements (for students who wish to strengthen their academic credentials or English proficiency before applying to a degree program): www.intohigher.com/usf

Steps to apply:

1. Complete online application for international students
2. Send original or certified copies (certified English translation) of academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work (UStudy can assist clients with preparing their transcripts and grading in an Americanized format)
3. Submit official SAT or ACT scores with the following minimum exam subscores:

Minimum SAT subscores:

• 460 Critical Reading
• 460 Mathematics
• 440 Writing

Minimum ACT subscores:

• 19 Reading
• 19 Mathematics
• 18 English/Writing
• 17 English

A TOEFL test may be required to demonstrate English proficiency. In this case, a minimum score of 79 (IBT is required)

4.  Provide evidence of sufficient funds available for their studies

University of South Florida application information for international students: http://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/intl-freshman/my-application/index.aspx

**Academic criteria for students from The Netherlands: http://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/documents/netherlands_countryflyer_letter.pdf

Tuition:

University of South Florida tuition information: http://www.usf.edu/admission/cost-to-attend.aspx 

Financial Aid / Scholarship:

USF offers several forms of public and private financial aid including scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs and loans. (UStudy can provide guidance to clients in applying for scholarships at USF)

“In 2014-2015, over 25,500 of students received financial aid. In addition, USF has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. So you can believe us when we say that we strive to make the USF experience as affordable as possible for students and their families.”

Scholarships are based on both merit and financial need.

University of South Florida information about scholarships and financial aid: http://www.usf.edu/admission/scholarships-financial-aid.aspx