Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tampa, Florida
40.9% Acceptance Rate
The University of Tampa — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
40.9%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1155Avg SAT
$49,841Annual Cost
$59,436Grad Salary
15.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
40.9%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1155
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1115–1185
Need-Based Aid
15.6% receive Pell
The University of Tampa (UT), established in 1931, is a private comprehensive university known for its beautiful riverfront campus in downtown Tampa. UT offers over 200 academic programs across four colleges, with particular strengths in business, marine science, and film & media arts. The university's 110-acre campus features Plant Hall, a National Historic Landmark, and state-of-the-art facilities like the Graduate and Health Studies Building.
UT's location in Florida's business and cultural hub provides abundant internship opportunities. The university's NCAA Division II athletics and 200+ student organizations create a vibrant campus life. UT's commitment to global education includes study abroad programs on six continents. Alumni include CEOs, professional athletes, and leaders in diverse fields who credit UT with providing practical, career-focused education in a supportive environment.
The University of Tampa Acceptance Rate
The University of Tampa is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of The University of Tampa is 40.9%. This means that 41 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 40.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
The University of Tampa GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at The University of Tampa is 3.5. The University of Tampa 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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
The University of Tampa GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at The University of Tampa utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At The University of Tampa, 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at The University of Tampa
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Tampa's verified institutional data
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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.
The University of Tampa Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into The University of Tampa Without SAT or ACT?
The University of Tampa does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
The University of Tampa Average SAT Score: 1155
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Tampa is 1155 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1155 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1155 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1185 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Tampa allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1115, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at The University of Tampa. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1155 | 1115 | 1185 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1115 then you are below most of the admitted students at The University of Tampa and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1185 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 1150
Can I get into The University of Tampa with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Tampa are good but the admission staff at The University of Tampa 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for The University of Tampa
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At The University of Tampa, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
The University of Tampa Profile
Full Name
The University of Tampa
City
Tampa
State
Florida
ZIP Code
33606-1490
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a The University of Tampa Degree Worth It?
Getting into The University of Tampa can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. The University of Tampa offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at The University of Tampa is $71,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.97%.
How much does a degree from The University of Tampa Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Tampa is $49,841. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The University of Tampa is much less than this.
15.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The University of Tampa and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Tampa, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist The University of Tampa as your choice in the form.
How much does a The University of Tampa Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,436. An average The University of Tampa 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tampa. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Tampa. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Tampa. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
Degree Programs at The University of Tampa
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The University of Tampa →
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Tampa Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,436 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $49,841 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
15.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of The University of Tampa is 40.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make 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.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to The University of Tampa is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1155 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1115–1185.
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.
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.