Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tampa, Florida
41% Acceptance Rate
University of South Florida — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
41%Acceptance Rate
3.64Avg GPA
1235Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$22,301Annual Cost
$57,743Grad Salary
29.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
41%
Avg GPA
3.64
Avg SAT
1235
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1140–1330
ACT Middle 50%
24–29
Avg Net Price
$10,043
Need-Based Aid
29.9% receive Pell
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 admits roughly 41% of its applicant pool, keeping it competitive without being out of reach for a solid student.
What University of South Florida USF Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 41% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier — a solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.64 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.44 – 3.63
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.19
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of South Florida Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of South Florida follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 95 days left — Early Action
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of South Florida USF reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: December 10
Rolling
March 1
Regular Decision
December 15
Decision by: February 11
💡 The scholarship deadline (January 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of South Florida USF GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of South Florida USF is 3.64. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.34 and 3.64? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.84–4.04.University of South Florida USF GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- The university calculates an internal core GPA that isolates foundational academic courses while completely stripping out non-academic high school electives.
- Highly ranked programs in nursing and engineering enforce distinct, elevated entry bars that require immediate math and science transcript clearances.
- Out-of-state applicants can unlock significant tuition reductions by hitting targeted academic tiers that trigger out-of-state waiver allocations.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of South Florida USF
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of South Florida's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
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) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at University of South Florida USF — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of South Florida USF Without SAT or ACT?
Test scores are mandatory at University of South Florida USF. Book your SAT/ACT dates early and plan on a retake if your score comes in under the averages below.
University of South Florida Average SAT Score: 1235
Admitted students at University of South Florida average a 1235 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1235 — Slightly Competitive
A 1235 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of South Florida allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1140? A retake is worth it at University of South Florida USF — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 625 | 580 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1235 | 1140 | 1330 |
A score under 1140 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1330+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
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?
At 1350, your SAT is squarely in University of South Florida USF's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF) ACT Requirements
University of South Florida USF's admitted students average an ACT of 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
An average of 27 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 29 |
Can I get into University of South Florida with a 29 ACT?
At 29, you're in the top quarter of University of South Florida USF's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, University of South Florida USF weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of South Florida USF
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at University of South Florida USF means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Freshman Merit Tier Target
Maximize your core academic GPA and standardized test scores through your sixth semester to align with automatic institutional merit awards. The university utilizes a strict, non-negotiable grid system for distributing pathways like the Green & Gold awards.
Summer Entry Compliance
Be prepared to accept a mandatory summer term entry assignment if your academic profile sits slightly below the primary autumn thresholds. Florida state policy mandates summer enrollment footprints for a significant portion of incoming public university cohorts.
Judy Genshaft Honors Tracking
Submit a separate, highly rigorous application to the Judy Genshaft Honors College concurrently with your general file. Focus your essays heavily on demonstrating deep intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary interest, and original research ambitions.
Bulls Onboarding Acceleration
Activate your student portal and execute your enrollment deposit the week you receive acceptance. This timestamp directly controls your access to mandatory orientation booking slots, which dictate when your initial course registration window opens.
Expert Insight: Dropping your high school course intensity or getting multiple low grades during your final senior semester will result in the immediate revocation of your merit award.
University of South Florida USF Profile
Full Name
University of South Florida (University of South Florida USF)
City
Tampa
State
Florida
ZIP Code
33620-9951
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a University of South Florida USF Degree Worth It?
Whether University of South Florida USF is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $58,400, and graduates see a 3.2% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of South Florida USF Cost?
Listed tuition runs $22,301/year at University of South Florida USF; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land closer to $10,043.
At University of South Florida USF, 29.9% receive a Pell Grant and 24.7% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of South Florida USF on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of South Florida USF Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of South Florida USF graduates report a median income of $57,743, about 42% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Oglethorpe University | Atlanta, GA | 1230 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 1237 | 28 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | 1242 | 29 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington, IL | 1242 | 27 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
Degree Programs at University of South Florida USF
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Florida USF Admissions
University of South Florida graduates earn a moderate median salary of $57,743/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of South Florida is relatively affordable, around $22,301/year.
29.9% of University of South Florida students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income — filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
University of South Florida's acceptance rate is 41%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of South Florida students is 3.64, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.34 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of South Florida. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.24 or below makes admission tougher at University of South Florida, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
University of South Florida weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1235, and within the 1140–1330 range, keeps you competitive.
University of South Florida's deadline is November 1 (Early Action), with decisions out by December 10. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
University of South Florida charges an application fee of 30; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before January 15, 2026 — that's University of South Florida's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.