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University of South Florida: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
1292 Scholarships for studying in USA
1562 acre campus- Estd. 1956
Last updated on 4 Feb '26University of South FloridaWhat's new?
University of South Florida application deadline for international students is Mar 1, 2026.
About USF
Established in 1956, University of South Florida is one of the top public universities based in the USA. The university is in Tampa Bay region and commonly known as USF. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits USF. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education classifies the university as a doctoral university with very high research activity. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, University of South Florida ranked at #403 in World and #80 in USA.
The University of South Florida acceptance rate is around 41%, as per unofficial sources. USF has enrolled 48,000+ students, out of which 36,000+ are UG students and 18,000+ are PG students. University of South Florida student body features more than 5,700 international students.
History
Founded in 1956, University of South Florida's convocation ceremony marks 1st day at USF in 1960s. In 1965, the university received full accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university occupied site of St. Petersburg Campus in 1965. In 1968, the university was admitted to the NCAA. The medical school of the university opened in 1971 and in 1973, the School of Nursing opened.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The USF acceptance rate is around 41%. This shows that the university is quite tough and students must fulfill all the entry requirements and showcase good academic background to get into the university. Its moderately tough secure a seat here.
Some of the factors that make the University of South Florida a good university for international students.
- USF is one of the most diverse campuses in the US as more than 5,700 international students from over 145 countries call the university their home
- USF offers more than 200 UG and PG programs. In short, a wide range of programs are available
- Students can also take part in the recreational activities. Over 70 intramural and club sport options are available.
University of South Florida is a public research university located in the USA. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, University of South Florida ranked at #403 in World and #80 in USA. USF offers various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students.
The University of South Florida is indeed a good university and a few points make it a worthy university-
- Top 50 public universities fifth year in a row as per a top-ranking publisher
- The Princeton Review placed the university in the Top 50 Best Value colleges among public institutes for providing students with quality education and career readiness at an affordable amount
- USF ranks in the Top 50 of all public institutes according to Forbes' America's Top Colleges
University of South Florida Ranking 2026
University of South Florida is one of the most prominent universities in the USA. If we see University of South Florida rankings, top ranking bodies all over the globe rank it. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025, University of South Florida is ranked at #80 in the USA. Whereas, in the world rankings, University of South Florida ranks at #403 in 2025. Subject rankings of the University of South Florida are also given below-
| University of South Florida Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| MSN | 101 | 26 |
| Others PG | 171 | 50 |
| MS | 235 | 69 |
| M.A. | 325 | 104 |
| LL.M. | 174 | 112 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. It ranks University of South Florida at #654 in 2026. University of South Florida ranking stood at #88 as per US News in 2026 and #351 by THE in 2026, globally.
#417
#80
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
In the world-rankings, USF ranks among the Top 500 Universities in the world for a top-ranking publisher in 2026. A ranking publisher has placed USF at #351-400 position in 2026. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, University of South Florida has an overall ranking of #403 in world and #80 in USA.
According to a ranking publisher USF rank is #88 in the 2026 edition of the National University category ranking. This shows that USF has been rankings among the Top 100 Universities in the U.S. University of South Florida is ranked at #403 in world as per Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
Also Check: Top 100-Ranked Universities in USA
University of South Florida is one of the finest universities in the USA. University of South Florida is ranked at #403 in world as per Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Top ranking bodies worldwide ranks USF that are listed below-
Ranking Authorities | Rank |
|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #403 in world and #80 in USA |
Times Higher Education 2026 | #351-400 in World University Rankings |
QS Rankings 2026 | #654 in QS World University Rankings |
US News and World Report 2026 | #88 in Best National Universities |
USF Programs
University of South Florida offers best degree programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. The University of South Florida offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to international students. USF is committed to offer quality education through its 14 colleges and schools.
University of South Florida Popular Programs
University of South Florida popular programs are Business & Management, Criminology, Biology, Finance, etc. The top programs opted by international students at USF are listed below-
University of South Florida Online Programs
University of South Florida offers a large variety of online programs at graduate levels for its international students. Some popular online programs offered by USF are listed below-
- MA in Criminal Justice
- MS in Child & Adolescent
- MS in Cybercrime
4.1(12)12 months - 2 years
56 students got admitted to this university
3.4(1)12 - 24 months14K+ students got admitted through us.
56 students got admitted to this university
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The University of South Florida offers 200+ programs at UG and PG levels. The courses at this university are offered at the UG and PG levels. A few of the popular majors of this university are-
- Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Engineering
- Psychology
According to the details available on the web, the USF popular majors are Social Sciences; Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Visual and Performing Arts, etc. A few of the other popular majors are:
- Social Sciences
- Health Professions & Related Programs
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Agricultural / Animal / Plant / Veterinary Sciences and Related fields
Yes, the MSFA course at the University of Florida is STEM-designated. The full-time students can complete this programme in 3 semesters. Being a STEM-designated degree, it covers crucial financial aspects essential for innovative decision-making. The graduates of this degree are prepared for careers in Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance, Banking, Financial Services, Risk Management, etc.
The duration of the University of South Florida MSc in CS is 1.5 - 2 years. This programme is offered by the university’s Computer Science and Engineering. To get into this course, the applicants are required to fulfill the below-given requirements-
- A bachelor’s degree (minimum with 3.0 GPA)
- GRE score is required
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- English language proficiency score
- Mathematical preparation equivalent
University of South Florida Admission 2026
For University of South Florida admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements. University of South Florida application fee is USD 30 (INR 2,712), for UG and PG students.
University of South Florida Application Deadline
University of South Florida application deadline for international students is listed below-
|
Intakes |
Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Rolling |
Mar 1, 2026 |
University of South Florida Eligibility of Indian students
- For UG apply via USF Apply Portal or Common Application and for PG program apply through USF Official Portal
- Complete the application form with all relevant documents
- Prepare your documents
- Submit test scores
- Pay the application fee
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete online application
- All Indian senior school certificate
- Resume/CV
- Copy of passport
- Submit score of SAT/ACT
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an approved university or equivalent
- Complete application form
- Official academic transcripts
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL - 79, Duolingo - 100)
- Resume/CV
- GRE/GMAT
- Statement of Purpose
- LOR
- Financial Proof
- Application fees :USD 30
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
To get admission to USF, a GRE score is required. A minimum of 164 is required in Quantitative and 150 score is required in Verbal score. Besides meeting the GRE requirements, the applicants are required to meet the following entry requirements-
- A bachelor's degree
- English language proficiency score
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- 3 LORs
- Resume
- Mathematics as a subject
USF accepts the ELP test scores of TOEFL / PTE / IELTS / Duolingo for graduate courses. The minimum scores required in these tests are given below-
Tests | PG |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 |
PTE | 53 |
TOEFL | 79 |
Duolingo | 110 |
The applicants applying to UG courses of USF can apply via Common App / online university application. For PG courses, the applicants can apply via the university direct portal. The USF application fee is USD 30 (Around INR 2,712). A few of the application materials that are required to submit the application are academic transcripts, ELP test score, standardized test scores, etc.
Also Check: College / University Application Process for USA
To get into USF graduate courses, the applicants are required to have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in all UG coursework / graduate coursework. The applicants are also required to prove English language proficiency. For the same purpose, IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Duolingo scores are accepted. Besides these, GRE / GMAT scores have to be submitted too. Other application materials that have to be submitted are SOP, resume, LORs, etc.
University of South FloridaUSF Scholarships
The USF Office of Admissions offers merit-based scholarships to international students every year. USF scholarships attracts international students the most. The university automatically considers students for competitive merit-based scholarships when they submit the admission application. Graduate students are eligible for assistantships.
| Scholarship | Award/Benefits |
|---|---|
| USF Green & Gold Presidential Award | USD 44,000 (Up to USD 11,000 per year) |
| USF Green & Gold Directors Waiver Award | USD 36,000 (Up to USD 9,000 per year) |
| USF Green & Gold Scholars Waiver Award | USD 20,000 (Up to USD 5,000 per year) |
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, USF offers scholarships to international students. First-year applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically after they are granted admission to the university. A few of the international scholarships for international students are
- USF Green & Gold Presidential Award
- USF International Student Scholarship
- USF Green & Gold Directors Award
The amount for scholarships varies as per the scholarships. It ranges from USD 4,000 - USD 48,000.
Yes, USF offers scholarships to international students each year. International scholarships details are given below:
Freshman Scholarships: For these scholarships, USF will automatically consider the applicants when they submit and complete the application for Summer or Fall 2026. The eligibility of this scholarship is given below:
- Academic records and residency status
- No additional applications are required
- Merit-based awards are limited, hence, students must apply before deadline
Students are notified about their award via postal mail and can track their award package via the OASIS student portal after USF releases the initial admission decisions.
Also Read: Scholarships to Study in USA
18 monthsUniversity of South FloridaStudents Ratings & Reviews
19 Verified Reviews- 29% students never faced discrimination in this university
USF Placements
USF grads work for leading sectors such as Operations, Business Development, Sales, Healthcare Services, Engineering, etc. University of South Florida placement rate attracts international students the most.
University of South Florida Placement Rate
University of South Florida placement rate stands at 90%, and the graduates are employed within few months of graduation. University of South Florida graduates work for top companies such as Citi, Raymond James, Deloitte, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, etc. As per unofficial sources, the average salary of University of South Florida MBA graduate is listed below:
|
Particulars |
Salary |
|---|---|
|
Average Salary (Postgrad) |
USD 88,000/year |
ROI after Education at University of South Florida
Return on Investment (ROI) for a university is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) at University of South Florida:
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
MBA |
INR 13.52 L - 24.76 L |
USD 88,000 |
|
UG |
INR 15.63 L - 17.17 L |
USD 75,000 |
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The USF graduates are generally in god demand. A few of the companies that hire from USF are given below:
- Citi
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Raymond James
- AdventHealth
- Amazon
- Centene Corporation
- Goldman Sachs
University of South Florida placement rate stands at 90%, and the graduates are employed within few months of graduation. University of South Florida graduates work for top companies such as Citi, Raymond James, Deloitte, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, etc.
University of South Florida placement rate is 90%, and the graduates are employed within few months of graduation. As per data curated from the web, USF graduates can earn as follows-
Particulars | Average Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|
PG | USD 88,000 |
UG | USD 75,000 |
USF Cost
The university tuition fee is one of the major component for international students when considering a university. University of South Florida tuition cost can vary from one program to another. University of South Florida tuition fees for international UG students ranges from INR 15.63 L - 17.17 L. The tuition fees for PG students at the USF is around INR 7.16 L - 35.62 L. Check the table listed below for USF top programs fee with eligibility-
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(53 courses) | INR 14 L - 36 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above, GRE, GMAT: 500 - 550 |
MBA/PGDM(11 courses) | INR 14 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above, GMAT: 500 - 550, GRE |
PG Certificate(65 courses) | INR 7 L - 14 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
M.A.(40 courses) | INR 10 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above, GRE |
B.Sc.(24 courses) | INR 16 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 - 58, Duolingo: 110 & Above, SAT |
B.E. / B.Tech(13 courses) | INR 16 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 - 58, Duolingo: 110 & Above, SAT |
B.A.(27 courses) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 - 58, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
BBA(16 courses) | INR 16 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 - 58, Duolingo: 110 & Above, SAT |
UG certificate(12 courses) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Others PG(6 courses) | INR 14 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
University of South Florida tuition cost can vary from one program to another. The USF annual tuition fee cost for both UG and PG programs is listed below-
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG | INR 15.63 L - 17.17 L |
| PG | INR 7.16 L - 35.62 L |
For out-of-state students, the USF tuition fee i.e. USD 17,324. The tuition fee is cheaper than the national average tuition fee which is USD 27,320. Including the living expenses, the total cost of out-of-state students is USD 35,092. The estimated living expenses are given as follows:
Particulars | Expenses |
|---|---|
Housing | USD 8,840 |
Food | USD 5,600 |
Books & supplies | USD 770 / USD 600 |
Transportation | USD 2,144 |
Personal allowances | USD 2,752 |
Also Check: Cost of Living in USA for International Students
University of South FloridaStudent profile
Others
61%
Hispanic
22%
Black
8%
Asian
8%
In state
73%
Out of state
16%
Foreign
9%
24 and under
87%
25 and over
12%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
USF Notable Alumni
The famous personalities who have studied at USF are Mark Consuelos, Lauren Hutton, Roderick Strong, Lobo, Grace Byers, etc. The designations of these alumni are given below-
|
Names |
Designation |
Images |
|---|---|---|
|
Lauren Hutton |
Model and actress |
 |
|
Mark Consuelos |
Actor |
 |
|
Roderick Strong |
Professional wrestler |
 |
|
Lobo |
Singer-songwriter |
 |
|
Grace Byers |
Actress |
 |
|
Dom Dwyer |
Professional soccer player |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Celebrities who went to the USF are-
Particulars | Designation |
|---|---|
Mark Consuelos | Actor |
Lobo | Singer-songwriter |
Roderick Strong | Professional wrestler |
Lauren Hutton | Model and actress |
Grace Byers | Actress |
Tony La Russa | Professional baseball player |
Dom Dwyer | Professional soccer player |
University of South Florida rich alumni network include more than 394,000 members all over the world. USF alumni network include innovators, mentors, leaders, famous personalities, etc.
College comparison
Compare University of South Florida with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.52 L - 35.62 L | #88 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 17.17 L - 33.08 L | #51 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 9.18 L - 26.25 L | #601 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 14.56 L - 32.33 L | #117 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 15.5 L - 28.43 L | #97 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 16.99 L - 40.81 L | #30 US News, 2026 |
CompareUniversity of South FloridaStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
USF Campus Life
With 600+ clubs and student organizations, 19 varsity sports, thriving arts scene, USF campus has something for everyone. From concerts and basketball games in the Yuengling Center to Movies on the lawn, gaming and celebrity lectures at the Marshall Student Center. The University of South Florida is located in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. The campus size is 1,600 acres.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
USF Tampa campus offers more than 600 clubs and organizations, award-winning recreation facilities, the university’s very own beach and frequent campus events. Students can utilize these facilities to enjoy their campus life. The Tampa campus is an ideal college home as some of the best beaches in the US are near to it. Attractions like theme parks, renowned museums, and performing arts centers are near this campus only.
USF Tampa campus is just a short drive from downtown historic city Ybor City, theme parks, and more. On the Tampa campus, students hail from more than 145 countries around the world. Generally, Tampa City also has an international student population of 17%. This Tampa campus offers hundreds of clubs and organizations, 17 varsity sports, a thriving arts scene and events including comedy shows, concerts, lecture series, and more. Furthermore, there are many organizations on the Tampa campus specially for international students including campus partnerships, student associations, and adventure trips.
USF FAQs
More than 5,000 international students from over 145 countries call USF home. A wide range of study options are available to international students. Over 200 undergraduate and graduate program options are available to international students. Furthermore, USF ranks among the top 50 public universities for the fifth year in a row according to a ranking publisher. According to the ranking released in 2023, USF reached its the highest overall position ever at No. 89 among all universities public or private.
Also Check: Top Reasons to Study in USA
The applicants required to take admission to USF undergraduate courses face heavy competition. The University of South Florida acceptance rate is around 41%. Given below are the statistics for the recent admitted UG international students at this university:
Fall 2024 Student Profile
- Average GPA: 4.07 – 4.55
- Average SAT score: 1250-1400
- Average ACT score: 27-31
Summer 2024 Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.61-4.15
- Average SAT score: 1100-1190
- Average ACT score: 22-25
There are minimum sub-test scores that students have to obtain in order to take admission to USF.
The University of South Florida MS BAIS admissions requirements are:
- A 4-year’s bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- GMAT / GRE scores
- Relevant work experience in Information Technology, Information Services, Business Analytics or related sectors
- 2 letters of recommendation
- A completed information form that USF sends at the time of receiving of application
Check Few tips that students starting their first semester at USF must keep in mind mentionef below
Talk to everyone professors and other students
Make steady schedule for yourself which includes indulging in your hobbies as well as completing schoolwork
Try to take classes outside of your major
Join group or club or participate in extracurriculars or get part time job on campus
Build great relationship with professors
According to Shiksha, the overall rating of USF is 4.1. Some of the component ratings of this university are 4.3 for student life, 4.1 for post-study jobs, 4.3 for value for money, 4.2 for quality of faculty, etc. Some of the reviews posted by students on Shiksha, here are some of the feedbacks for USF:
- Safety is ensured all time on USF campus. Police are always on-campus
- There is a lot of diversity and the academic programs and courses are well formulated at this university
- At USF, the faculty and professors are open-minded and helpful when needed
- The university has great infrastructure. Also, USF provides free bused during the some specific time
The University of South Florida offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the US. The university has been nationally recognized for its affordability and value by many outside organizations, including Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. The tuition fees for some of the courses are given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (43 courses) | INR 9 L - 33 L |
MBA/PGDM (11 courses) | INR 13 L - 23 L |
PG Certificate (65 courses) | INR 7 L - 13 L |
BE/ BTech (13 courses) | INR 13 L - 14 L |
BSc (24 courses) | INR 14 L |
BA (27 courses) | INR 14 L |
BBA (16 courses) | INR 14 L |
UG certificate (12 courses) | INR 14 L |
B.Ed (6 courses) | INR 14 L |
BJMC(5 courses) | INR 14 L |
BFA (3 courses) | INR 14 L |
Cost of Living: The living expenses USF academic year 2024-25 are given below:
Particulars | Expenses |
|---|---|
Housing | USD 8,840 |
Food | USD 5,600 |
Books & supplies | USD 770 / USD 600 |
Transportation | USD 2,144 |
Personal allowances | USD 2,752 |
University of South Florida
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 months ago
Univ of South Florida might take few weeks or months to go through entire application process. Typically, university takes 4-6 weeks to process application but this heavily depends on the completion of the applications submitted. Hence, it is important for applicants to make sure to submit all admis
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
The University of South Florida mainly accepts students in three main intakes which includes: Spring (January), Summer (May) and Fall (August/September) for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs including MBA. Fall is considered as the primary intake conducted by the university with the larges
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 12 months ago
As per the below table, we can say that University at Buffalo is better than the University of South Florida based on the national rankings, and small class size experience. However, the acceptance rate at University at South Florida is low which shows difficult admission policy of the university. S
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
The University of South Florida expects a minimum GRE score of 153 (verbal) from international students. Students must prefer to submit it to create a positive impact on their resumes. In addition, students must fulfill the basic eligibility by having a bachelor's degree from a recognised institute
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
The University of South Florida is recognised for offering the highest placement rate in the USA. University of South Florida placement rate stands at 90%, this means for every 100 students, 90 students secured employment. USF placement rate are one of the major attractions for international studen
M
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
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University of South Florida
Campus
Student Center
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University of South FloridaLocation
| University City | Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 3,77,165 |
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