
4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA


The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body recognized for assessing the quality and standards of higher education institutions in the southern United States. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous criteria for academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student support services.
In addition to its regional accreditation, various professional programs at the University of South Florida hold specialized accreditations. These specialized recognitions validate the quality and relevance of specific fields of study, which can be crucial for students seeking careers that require licensure or certification.
Admission to University of South Florida requires applicants to have completed secondary school with a verified record and meet a minimum secondary school GPA. The institution mandates submission of admission test scores, including the SAT or ACT, as well as the TOEFL for non-native English speakers. While recommendations and additional competency proof are advised to strengthen applications, an open admission policy is not offered. General Educational Development (GED) certification is accepted as an alternative to high school completion. Advanced Placement (AP) credits may be applied toward degree requirements, though dual credit and college program credits are not accepted.
The university is selective, with an acceptance rate of 41%, placing it among institutions with a very low admission rate. The average admitted student has a high academic profile, evidenced by a mean SAT score of 1235, composed of approximately 615 in Math and 620 in Writing, and a mean ACT score of 27. These scores rank admitted students roughly in the top 30th percentile nationally. Each admissions cycle draws a very large pool of applicants, with over 65,000 individuals applying, among whom nearly 27,000 are admitted, and close to 6,000 enroll.
The University of South Florida requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their applications. This fee is a standard part of the application process and must be paid to complete the submission. However, the university offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, which can significantly ease the financial burden for those who qualify. These waivers are typically granted based on demonstrated financial need or specific criteria set by the admissions office.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation as part of their application to verify eligibility. The university encourages prospective students to inquire about fee waivers early in the process to ensure timely consideration. This provision aligns with University of South Florida's efforts to increase accessibility and support diversity within its student community.
The University of South Florida participates in ROTC programs through a cooperative arrangement with a host institution. This setup allows students interested in military leadership to engage in ROTC training and education, even though the university itself does not host its own independent ROTC units. Prospective students can benefit from this collaboration by gaining access to military commissioning programs while pursuing their degree at the University of South Florida.
University of South Florida permits transfer students to enter during the fall, spring, and summer terms. The institution accepts transfer credits, facilitating the continuation of academic progress for those coming from other colleges or universities. However, specific policies regarding credit examinations such as CLEP, DANTES, or Excelsior are not disclosed.
University of South Florida offers a diverse range of study abroad programs designed to provide students with international academic and cultural experiences. These programs include faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer study options in various countries around the globe. Students can earn credits toward their degrees while immersing themselves in different cultural environments and academic systems.
Several programs focus on areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, and the liberal arts, allowing students to tailor their international experience to their field of study. Additionally, the university supports internships and service-learning opportunities abroad, which enable students to gain practical experience while contributing to local communities.
Participation in study abroad programs at the university is facilitated through partnerships with institutions worldwide, ensuring a broad selection of destinations and academic offerings. This variety helps students select programs that best fit their academic goals, personal interests, and schedules.
Median composite SAT score
1235Median composite ACT score
27Percent of students submitting ACT scores
22.1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
77.6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer