Chances of Getting Into University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida • Public University • #89 National • Founded 1956
USF Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
USF SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is one of the fastest-rising public universities in America, climbing over 50 spots in US News rankings in a decade. Located in Tampa, USF is a top research university with medical school, engineering, and strong pre-health programs.
Top Programs
What Makes USF Unique
- One of the fastest-climbing universities in US News rankings (50+ spots in 10 years)
- Preeminent State Research University designation
- Tampa location — growing tech and healthcare hub
- Medical school on campus for pre-med pipeline
- Extremely affordable tuition ($6,410 in-state)
USF Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
USF Application Deadlines
How to Get Into USF: Admission Tips
USF has gotten much more selective (43% now, was 50%+ recently)
Engineering, nursing, and pre-med are especially competitive
USF is an excellent value — highlight ROI in your decision
Honors College is worth pursuing for stronger students
Florida residents benefit from Bright Futures scholarship
The Brutal Truth About USF Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 43% acceptance rate, USF rejected over 31,350 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At USF, having a 3.72 GPA and 1290 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. USF doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if USF genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 43%-acceptance-rate basket.
USF Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Florida?
University of South Florida has an acceptance rate of 43% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 55,000+ applicants, approximately 7,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into USF?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of South Florida is 3.72. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.57, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for USF?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted USF students is 1210-1370. The average SAT score is 1290. For ACT, the range is 27-31 with an average of 29.
Is USF hard to get into?
Yes, University of South Florida is selective with an acceptance rate of just 43%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does USF cost?
Tuition at University of South Florida is $6,410 per year, with total cost of attendance at $22,800. However, 55% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $10,000+.
What are my chances of getting into USF?
Your chances of getting into University of South Florida depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 43% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at USF
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