USF Tampa is one of the best colleges in America, according to Money

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa is one of the top ranked colleges in America, according to Money. The school earned a total of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Money’s data team. Money has also recently listed Tampa as one of the best places to live and travel to in America.

“Research touches all academic areas at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus — whether it’s integrative biology, community health, or long-term care,” writes the editorial team at Money. “Even the USF Botanical Garden is used for research, where faculty and students have planted medicinal gardens in hopes of uncovering new cures and treatments for diseases.”

USF Tampa is a 4.5-star univeristy

Money’s methodology for the ranking included several criteria to ensure a thorough assessment. The initial pool consisted of over 2,400 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges. To make the initial cut, a college had to:

• Have at least 500 undergraduate students or 150 freshmen.
• Have sufficient, reliable data to be analyzed.
• Not be in financial distress.
• Have a graduation rate at or above the median for its institutional category or a high “value-added” graduation rate, placing it in the top 25% after accounting for the student body.

From this pool, 745 schools met the requirements and were ranked based on 25 factors across three categories: quality of education, affordability, and outcomes.

University of South Florida excels in research

The University of South Florida (USF) attracts a diverse student body from over 140 countries, offering a wide range of programs across its three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Students can choose from traditional disciplines like business, education, and the arts, as well as specialized programs in global sustainability, behavioral and community sciences, and marine science. The Tampa campus, serving the majority of USF’s 50,000 students, is often described as “a city within a city” due to its extensive offerings, including more than 700 student organizations and 17 NCAA Division I sports teams.

USF also excels in research, with the USF Research Park focusing on biotechnology and life sciences. Other academic centers study mental health, migrant education, and urban transportation. Undergraduates are encouraged to engage in research, supported by ample resources and guidance. Despite its extensive opportunities, USF remains affordable, with the cost of a degree significantly lower than comparable institutions, making it an attractive option for students worldwide.