The University of South Florida is staking a stronger claim as one of the nation’s top universities, climbing to its highest position ever in U.S News & World Report’s annual rankings.
In results released Sept. 23, USF rose to No. 88 overall, among all public and private universities, up from No. 91 the previous year. Among public universities, USF now sits at No. 43, marking the seventh consecutive year inside the top 50. Over the past decade, the Tampa-based institution has surged 71 spots overall and 40 spots among public universities.
“This remarkable trajectory over the past decade reflects the collective commitment to excellence that defines our university,” said USF President Rhea Law. “We remain focused on shaping the leaders of tomorrow, driving economic growth and providing solutions to the significant challenges facing our society.”
A value proposition in higher education
Beyond prestige, USF earned recognition as one of the nation’s best values. The school ranks No. 12 among public universities for affordability, offering in-state tuition nearly half the national average. That balance of academic rigor and cost is fueling record demand: the university welcomed a record number of applications in 2025, and an incoming class with the highest average SAT in school history.
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The momentum is measurable. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities, a distinction shared by only 3% of U.S institutions. It has also emerged as one of the top 20 public universities in U.S. patents and secured $738 million in research funding in 2024, underscoring its growing role as an innovation driver for Tampa Bay and the state of Florida.
National recognition across disciplines
U.S Newsplaced 31 of USF’s graduate programs in the top 100 this year, with 15 in the top 50 and five in the top 25. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine was named the top-ranked medical school in Florida and among the highest tier of medical schools nationwide.
Other standout rankings include:
- No. 17 in social mobility among public universities
- No. 19 in innovation nationally
- No. 42 among best colleges for veterans
Why does it matter for Tampa Bay
For business leaders in the region, USF’s ascent strengthens the talent pipeline. The university serves roughly 50,000 students across its Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Its Division I athletics programs, including USF football and the USF Bulls brand, further boost visibility.
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The institution’s rise also feeds into Tampa Bay’s economic narrative. With an annual impact exceeding $6 billion USF is not just educating students – it is shaping the workforce, supporting research commercialization and attracting investment.
The rankings, Law emphasized, are not the end goal but “an indication of the University of South Florida’s growing reputation for academic quality and groundbreaking research, and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, the Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida.”
For families weighing options among the best colleges in Florida — from the University of Florida to Florida State University to the University of Tampa — USF’s rise signals an institution in ascent, solidifying Tampa’s place more firmly in the national higher education conversation.