University of South Florida

University of South Florida Overview

The University of South Florida (USF) stands as a prominent public research institution, with its primary campus situated in Tampa, Florida. Alongside additional campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, USF is part of the esteemed State University System of Florida, comprising 12 members. Boasting an impressive lineup of 14 colleges, USF offers over 240 diverse undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral programs. Notably, USF's exceptional research prowess has earned it the classification of "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As a testament to its academic excellence, USF is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is recognized by the Florida Board of Governors as one of three Preeminent State Research Universities.

Since its establishment in 1956, USF has grown to become Florida's fourth largest university in terms of enrollment. Currently, it enrolls 49,766 students hailing from over 145 countries, all 50 states, all five U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia for the 2022–2023 academic year. USF's impressive impact extends beyond academics, with an annual budget of $2.31 billion and a significant economic influence exceeding $6 billion. The university's commitment to research and development is evident as it invested $568 million in 2019, ranking 43rd in the nation and 25th among public universities according to the National Science Foundation. Additionally, USF's $889 million endowment represents the largest among American public universities founded after World War II and the third-largest among Florida's public universities.

USF's commitment to innovation is showcased by its exceptional performance in patent grants. In fact, the Intellectual Property Owners Association ranked USF first in Florida, seventh in the United States, and 16th worldwide for the number of US patents granted. The university's faculty, staff, students, and alumni collectively hold an impressive portfolio of over 2,400 patents. USF proudly houses the National Academy of Inventors and the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame within its USF Research Park, emphasizing its dedication to fostering groundbreaking discoveries.