By Jennifer Calonia
(Last Updated – 05/2023)
Total Cost of Attendance
The University of South Florida is a well-respected research university located in sunny Tampa Bay. University of South Florida tuition for in-state students in 2022-23 was $6,410, and $17,324 for out-of-state students. This is lower than the national average for tuition at a public university of $10,940 (for in-state students) and $28,240 (out-of-state).
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Costs for 2022-2023
Student Type | In-State | Out-State |
Tuition & Fees | $6,310 | $17,324 |
Books & Supplies | $770 | $770 |
Room & Board | $12,622 | $12,622 |
Other Expenses | $4,850 | $4,850 |
Total Cost of Attendance | $24,652 | $35,566 |
Financial Aid
Nearly all freshmen who attend USF full-time receive some form of USF financial aid to pay for their University of South Florida tuition, including grants, scholarships, and loans. In fact, 98% get grants or scholarships, either through federal programs or state grants and scholarships. Students who received federal Pell Grants – a need-based program for low-income families — were awarded an average of $6,002 in Pell Grant funds.
Explore financial aid options:
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
•Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.
•Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.
•Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
•Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
•US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
•College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
•Scholarship Search Tool
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
There are two options for student loans to help with University of South Florida tuition: federal and private. 20% of students took out federal student loans, and 2% took out private loans. The average private student loan is $11,370 per year.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
To attend the University of South Florida for four years, based on 2022-23 numbers, the total cost would be $98,608 for students who come from Florida and $142,264 for students from other states.
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Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type | In-State | Out-State |
Tuition & Fees | $6,310 | $17,324 |
Room & Board | $12,622 | $12,622 |
Total Cost of Attendance | $18,932 | $29,946 |
University of South Florida tuition, fees, and room and board for in-state students in 2022-23 totalled $18,932, while it was $29,946 for out-of-state students.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type | In-State | Out-State |
Tuition | $8,350 | $19,048 |
Fees | $2,078 | $2,078 |
Total Cost of Attendance | $10,428 | $21,126 |
Students who opt to continue their studies after completing their undergraduate degree can attend USF graduate school. The total cost for in-state students is $10,428, and for out-of-state students it’s $21,126. Both of these are below the national average for cost at a graduate program of $23,130 per year.
There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.
Cost per Credit Hour
You also have the option of attending the University of South Florida part-time. In that case, you would pay $248.19 per credit hour as an in-state student or $612.01 as an out-of-state student. You may also be eligible to take out student loans as a part-time student.
Campus Housing Expenses
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type | In-State | Out-State |
Books & Supplies | $770 | $770 |
Room & Board | $12,622 | $873+/mo* |
Other Expenses | $4,850 | $4,850 |
*Starting rate for a studio based on available apartments on USF’s off-campus housing website in 2023.
University of South Florida Acceptance Rate
Fall 2022
Number of Applications | Number Accepted | Percentage Accepted |
65,567 | 28,811 | 44% |
The USF acceptance rate of 44% means that slightly less than half of all students who apply get in.
Admission Requirements
For incoming first-time freshmen, the University of South Florida asks for a student’s high school GPA, school record, and test scores.
Required:
•High school GPA
•High school transcript
•SAT or ACT scores
•TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language), if applicable
Recommended:
•Secondary school rank
The deadline for priority applications is January 15, and the final deadline for the fall or summer semester is March 15. You can apply here.
SAT and ACT Scores
USF does require SAT or ACT scores to be submitted with applications. Here are the scores at the 25th and 75th percentile.
Subject | 25th | 75th |
SAT Writing | 610 | 690 |
SAT Math | 610 | 700 |
ACT Composite | 27 | 30 |
ACT English | 25 | 33 |
ACT Math | 24 | 28 |
Popular Majors at the University of South Florida
Undergraduate students can choose from more than 300 degree programs across the University’s 11 colleges. These are the most popular majors.
1. Health Sciences
In the USF Health Sciences program, students can select such concentrations as Aging Health Studies, Health Care Administration, Health Information Technology, and more. It’s suited for students who want to work in a hospital, geriatric care, healthcare nonprofit, or other related field.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 1,044
2. Psychology
The Psychology program at the University of South Florida offers a foundation of social and behavioral sciences. Students learn different psychology disciplines that can help them pursue a variety of career paths, including law, business, management, and education.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 800
3. Biomedical Sciences
Students who want to pursue advanced professional programs, like dentistry, pharmaceutical, and medicine, can benefit from USF’s Biomedical Sciences program. It gives students an opportunity to learn cellular processes, chemistry, and more. They can also take elective courses that are tailored to their academic or professional interests.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 747
4. Biology
The general Biology program offers a solid foundation for students seeking an advanced professional degree. However, its curriculum also helps students prepare for careers like field researcher or medical assistant. In addition to learning about botany, human anatomy, and cell biology, the program requires a course in biodiversity and marine field studies.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 502
5. Nursing
This program is specifically designed for students who are already registered nurses and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This accredited pathway is generally a two-year program.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 497
6. Criminology
Students who are interested in criminal justice, law, child protection, or cybersecurity can learn more about the U.S. justice system through USF’s Criminology program. Students can take courses like Human and Cultural Diversity, Criminal Behavior Theory, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 409
7. Finance
The General Finance program at USF provides students with the essential framework for financial analysis for all types of businesses. Courses students are required to take include Economic Principles, Basic Marketing, and Principles of Investing.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 360
8. Marketing
Students earning a Marketing degree take courses on Marketing Research, Marketing Management Problems, and Digital Marketing, to name a few. After graduation, they can pursue such positions as marketing coordinator, sales agent, or account executive.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 354
9. Business
Business/Commerce majors learn about all areas of business, including accounting, marketing, management, finance, and entrepreneurship. This program is ideal for those who want a career in business operations, such as an operations manager or human resources manager.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 321
10. Accounting
The Accounting program at USF can help students learn and prepare for a career as a bookkeeper, payroll administrator, or accounts payable/receivable specialist. It’s also useful for those seeking a Master’s in Accountancy.
Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 303
Graduation Rate
Here is the percentage of students who graduated after starting at USF in 2016:
•6 years: 74%
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
Median earnings for graduates of USF ($54,364) are just above the average for graduates of four-year public institutions ($55,260).
Bottom Line
With a wide variety of degree programs, a solid USF ranking, and a cost that’s below the national average, both in-state and out-of-state students can find the University of South Florida to be an educational value. And with the school’s moderately competitive acceptance rate, applicants stand a good chance of getting in.
Photo credit: iStock/Rebecca Todd
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