Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida is one of Florida’s top three public research universities. USF provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to participate in research and to seek solutions to local, national and global problems through 219 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. USF is committed to providing students with high quality learning opportunities, building community and business partnerships, and research for discovery and innovation with a focus on these strategic priorities: Student Success, Research and Innovation, Community Engagement, Global Literacy and Impact, and Integrated, Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
The Bulls Community
The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top public research universities that works to ensure a comprehensive premiere student-centered learning environment. USF is committed to providing a variety of programs that are integrated and engaging for students, all of which will contribute to student success. USF is a channel for knowledge, expertise, exposure and development, and strives to provide the bridge from the academic experience inside and outside of the classroom into the global community. The university is committed to the personal, social, civic, leadership, physical, character and intellectual development of its students as they live and learn in this diverse community. With over 500 student organizations ranging from social to academic, political to religious, and 89 undergraduate and 130 graduate majors, students have the opportunity to get involved and develop their academic, leadership, and interpersonal skills that will support learning beyond graduation.
Carnegie Classification of Institutional Characteristics
Basic Type
Research Universities (very high research activity)
Size and Setting
Large four-year, primarily nonresidential
Enrollment Profile
High undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile
Medium full-time four-year, selective, higher transfer-in
Undergraduate Instructional Program
Balanced arts & sciences/professions, high graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program
Comprehensive doctoral with medical/veterinary
NOTE: Institutional classifications based on the Carnegie 2005 edition.
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Undergraduate Profile
| Total Undergraduate Students | 30,536 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Women | 17,181 | 56% |
| Men | 13,355 | 44% |
| Race/Ethnicity | ||
| International | 452 | 1% |
| Race/Ethnicity Not Reported | 606 | 2% |
| African American / Black | 3,844 | 13% |
| American Indian / Alaskan Native | 148 | <1% |
| Asian / Pacific Islander | 2,036 | 7% |
| Hispanic | 4,704 | 15% |
| White | 18,746 | 61% |
| Geographic Distribution (Degree-Seeking) | |
|---|---|
| Florida | 97% |
| Other US States & Territories | 3% |
| Other Countries | <1% |
| Age (Degree-Seeking) | |
| Average Age | 22 |
| Percent of Undergraduates Age 25 or Older | 21% |
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Undergraduate Success and Progress Rate
A four-year success and progress rate means that of students starting in Fall either graduated or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four years later.
Counts for the Fall entering class shown in the graph above.
- 0 First-Time, Full-Time Students
- 0 Full-Time Transfer Students
Retention of Fall 2008 First-Time, Full-time Students
First-time students in Fall 2008 that returned for their second year: 86%
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Costs of Attendance and Financial Aid
Typical Undergraduate Costs per Year without Financial Aid (Full-Time, In-State Students)
Total Typical Cost of Attendance: $17,427
The cost to attend University of South Florida varies based on the individual circumstances of students and may be reduced through grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid Awarded to Undergraduates
Annual Need-Based Scholarships & Grants
• <1% of full-time undergraduates received need-based grants or scholarships; the average award for the year was $0
Annual Need-Based Loans
• <1% of full-time undergraduates received need-based work-study and/or loans (not including parent loans); the average loan for the year was $0
Percent of 2007-08 First-Time Students Receiving Each Type of Financial Aid
NOTE: Students may receive aid from more than one source.
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Academic Preparation of New Freshmen
Test(s) Required for Admission: SAT or ACT recommended
| Middle 50% of Test Score Range | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 22 - 28 | |
| Math | 530 - 640 | |
| Critical Reading | 520 - 620 |
50% of admitted students have test scores within the ranges listed, 25% have scores above, and 25% have scores below.
| High School Background | ||
|---|---|---|
| Percent in top 25% of High School Graduating Class | 67% | |
| Percent in top 50% of High School Graduating Class | 83% | |
| Percent of New Freshmen who submitted HS Class Rank | 100% | |
| Average High School GPA (4-point scale) | 3.44 | |
| Percent who submitted High School GPA | 99% | |
Study At USF
| Classroom Environment | |
|---|---|
| Students per Faculty | 28 to 1 |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students | 58% |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students | 85% |
| Full-Time Instructional Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Total Faculty | 1,098 |
| % Women | 42% |
| % from Minority Groups | 24% |
| % with Highest Degree in Field | 82% |
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Campus Safety
The University of South Florida considers safety a priority and works to maintain a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. USF approaches campus safety from a multidimensional and shared approach, and has recently developed a Division of Public Safety which includes University Police, Emergency Management, Security and Parking Enforcement. Ensuring emergency preparedness, response to and investigation of crimes and providing public service and a safe campus environment is the university’s commitment.
Degrees and Areas of Study
| Degrees awarded at University of South Florida in 2008-09 | |
|---|---|
| Associate's | 187 |
| Bachelor's | 6,060 |
| Master's | 2,083 |
| Doctoral | 415 |
| Total | 8,745 |
| Areas of study with the largest number of bachelors degrees awarded in 2008-09 | |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 8% |
| Psychology, General | 8% |
| Criminology | 5% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 5% |
| Speech and Rhetorical Studies | 5% |
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Student Experiences and Perceptions
Institutions participating in the VSA program measure student involvement on campus using one of four national surveys. Results from the one survey are reported for a common set of questions selected as part of VSA. Following are the selected results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The questions have been grouped together in categories that are known to contribute to student learning and development. The results reported below are based on the responses of seniors who participated in the survey.
Group Learning Experiences
- 88% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
- 52% of seniors tutored or taught other students
- 13% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week participating in co-curricular activities such as student organizations and intramural sports
Active Learning Experiences
- 78% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
- 13% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
- 36% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
- 50% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
- 8% of seniors participated in study abroad
- 90% of seniors made at least one class presentation last year
Institutional Commitment to Student Learning and Success
- 92% of seniors believe this institution provides support for student success
- 67% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
- 49% of seniors reported that this institution provided help in coping with work, family and other non-academic responsibilities
- 93% of seniors reported working harder than they thought they could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations
Student Interaction with Campus Faculty and Staff
- 49% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
- 74% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
- 92% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
- 64% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class
Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas
- 64% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
- 85% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
- 59% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity
Student Satisfaction
- 83% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
- 84% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
- 82% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive
University of South Florida College Portrait
- University of South Florida
- 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620
- 813-974-2011
- http://www.usf.edu
Student Learning Assessment at University of South Florida
All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.
The University of South Florida is committed to providing an undergraduate learning experience that emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, as well as disciplinary knowledge. The assessment of student learning process has a critical role in assuring that the learning outcomes are met, while simultaneously striving for higher levels of accomplishment. Beginning in the general education curriculum, the Foundations of Knowledge and Learning, and continuing throughout the major, student learning is measured with a variety of methods. Key to USF’s assessment approaches is application. To be sure, students take tests, both locally and externally developed, but they also demonstrate their knowledge and facility with this knowledge through such methods as projects, written and oral assignments, internships, service learning contributions and portfolios.
Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes
Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.
This university is in the process of collecting and analyzing learning outcomes test results.