University of South Florida The University of South Florida (USF), founded in 1956 in Tampa, has grown into a major public research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity, USF is particularly renowned for its health sciences, marine science, and cybersecurity programs. The 1,913-acre Tampa campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in downtown Tampa and the new Judy Genshaft Honors College building. USF consistently ranks among the nation's top public universities by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized for its commitment to student success and social mobility.
USF takes pride in its diverse student body and innovative research enterprise, with annual research expenditures exceeding $500 million. The campus offers modern amenities like the USF Recreation and Wellness Center and the Yuengling Center arena. USF's athletic teams, the Bulls, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the American Athletic Conference. The university has established itself as a hub for entrepreneurship and community engagement. Recent achievements include designation as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. USF's rapid growth and research impact make it a driving force in Florida's higher education landscape.
University of South Florida Acceptance Rate
University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 43.93%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of South Florida Admission Requirements
University of South Florida USF GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of South Florida USF is 3.64. University of South Florida USF is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.34 and 3.64, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of South Florida USF GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of South Florida USF utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.64, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.64 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.44 – 3.63 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.24 – 3.43 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.23 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of South Florida USF, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of South Florida Average SAT Score: 1235
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of South Florida is 1235 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1235 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of South Florida allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1140, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of South Florida USF. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 620 | 580 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1235 | 1140 | 1330 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1140 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of South Florida USF and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) are good but the admission staff at University of South Florida USF tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of South Florida USF is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of South Florida Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 25 | 22 | 27 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 29 |
Can I get into University of South Florida with a 29 ACT?
With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Florida are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27.University of South Florida USF Profile
Name: University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from University of South Florida USF Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of South Florida is USD: 21383. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of South Florida is USD: 9203
How can I get a scholarship?
31.55% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.57 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of South Florida USF and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of South Florida, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of South Florida USF as your choice in the form.
How much a University of South Florida USF Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 57743. An average University of South Florida USF graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of South Florida. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Florida Institute of Technology, FL | 1213 | 25 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1206 | 26 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of South Florida. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1238 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1237 | 26 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of South Florida. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Florida Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57743 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $21383 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of South Florida is 43.93 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.64. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.34, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.34, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.34 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.24 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of South Florida if my GPA is below 3.24
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.64, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of South Florida is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1235 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1140-1330
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of South Florida.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.