USA (University of South Florida)

A Preeminent Research University located in the heart of Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida is dedicated to empowering students to maximize their potential for lifelong success. Though a relatively young university, founded in 1956, we have rich traditions – traditions of access and opportunity for students, of academic excellence, of groundbreaking research, of serving our communities.

USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together, our campuses serve more than 50,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist and professional degrees. Across our 13 colleges, undergraduates choose from more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations, from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health.

USF is the fastest-rising university in America, according to U.S. News and World Report’s (U.S. News) 2021 Best Colleges rankings. Over the past 10 years, USF has risen 78 spots among all universities and 54 spots among public universities, more than any other university in the country. This is the second consecutive year USF is among the top 50 public universities in the nation, according to U.S. News.

High-impact global research is central to USF’s mission as one of only three Preeminent Research Universities, as designated by the Florida Board of Governors. The Preeminence program rewards high-achieving universities based on 12 metrics, including graduation rates, student retention rates, research expenditures and the number of patents awarded.

With 123 new U.S. utility patents granted in 2020, USF is eighth among American public research universities and 15th among all universities worldwide in generating new patents. The ranking places USF as a leader among the more than 1,000 academic institutions generating new, novel and useful inventions granted intellectual property protection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

USF’s innovation and economic development efforts produce tangible benefits across Florida. They generate more than $582 million in statewide impact each year, sustain more than 4,000 jobs and return more than $71 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal coffers. Of the jobs created statewide by USF innovation, 82 percent are in the knowledge-based services sector.

Our scholars and researchers focus on developing transformative solutions to complex issues facing society. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, USF Health has been at the forefront of the Tampa Bay region’s response. Efforts have included working on the frontlines, producing 3D-printed nasal swabs, creating face shields for health care workers, conducting clinical trials and assisting the Florida Department of Health with contact tracing. The university also has awarded funding through a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants program under the auspices of the USF Pandemic Response Research Network™ — a transdisciplinary initiative organized by university leadership and faculty researchers to quickly respond to current and future pandemics.

We also place a priority on creating a more just society. Guided by our Principles of Community, students, faculty and staff have been working together to develop anti-racist practices, resources and initiatives. The resulting actions include investments in research, programming and resources to address anti-racism at USF and beyond.

An anti-racism website serves as a collective resource and information warehouse for content related to USF’s commitment to anti-racism. Highlights include opportunities for community involvement, training resources for faculty and staff, and tools and links for students to find courses related to anti-racism. Additionally, the Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity (DARE) Dashboards reflect USF’s commitment to evidence-based actions to address inclusive excellence and racial equity.

Additionally, to advance research on racism in society, the Office of the Provost and USF Research & Innovation committed $500,000 to fund interdisciplinary research projects that explore a wide range of issues in systemic inequality, economic and health disparities, Black history and contemporary challenges for funding.

Like all great universities, USF is guided by the traditional ideals of higher education. But our mission, as an urban-grant university, is so much more than that of the traditional establishments of higher education.

At USF, we believe every student will succeed if given the opportunity. All USF students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, succeed at the same rate. We invite you to explore more about our university – in person and online – and discover how you can prosper at the country’s fastest-rising university. At USF, excellence and opportunity converge.