University of South Florida/Tampa (USF)
School Acronym:UWF
Campus:Tampa
Address:4202 East Fowler Avenue
City:Tampa
State:FL
Zip Code:33620-9951
Country:United States
Phone:813-974-2011
Fax:813-974-9689
Description: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.
History Description:The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 as the first public university established specifically to address the needs of Florida's rapidly emerging urban regions. State Rep. Sam Gibbons championed USF's creation, and John S. Allen, USF's first president, helped Gov. Leroy Collins break ground in September 1957.
On September 26, 1960, nearly 2,000 students began classes in five buildings. USF was on its way. The university chose two words to guide its path: "Truth" and "Wisdom."
USF developed rapidly. In 1965, the St. Petersburg campus opened, and USF was accredited, gaining additional academic respect. In 1967, enrollment passed 10,000. In 1968, USF was admitted to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
In the 1970s, the College of Medicine was established, a strong academic program in Sarasota/Manatee was developed, and enrollment passed the 20,000 mark.
During the 1980s, the graduate school was established, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute opened, the USF Polytechnic campus opened, and enrollment passed 30,000.
The 1990s brought widespread recognition of USF as a major research university when research funding passed $100 million. USF was recruiting superb scientists, creative artists, and cutting-edge scholars in everything from social sciences to literature.
Fast/Quick Facts Description:USF AT A GLANCE
- Founded: 1956
- Undergraduates: 36,463
- Graduate Students: 10,239
- Total number of students who received financial aid in 2014-15: 25,531
- Average financial aid awarded: $10,134
- Accreditation: Regionally Accredited, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Student-faculty ratio: 23:1
- Average class size: 33 students
- Faculty & Staff: 15,243
- Diversity: 40.6% of students are African American, Black, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American or multiracial.
- Countries Represented: 130+ and 10% of the total student population
Type & Affiliation of School:Public College or University
Size and Mobility of School:XL (More than 20K) - Commuter
Actual Enrollment:49,600
Actual Enrollment - Undergraduate:38,047
Actual Enrollment - Graduate:11,553
Full Time Enrollment:39,184
Type of Enrollment - Population:Mostly traditional age (18-22 years old)
Predominant Racial Makeup:White non-Hispanic
Political Classification:Very Liberal
Athletic Association:National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Division 1
Athletic Conference:American Athletic Conference (The American)
Mascot:Bulls
Size of City:Metropolitan (500K+ population without students)