By Kellie Britch, College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences awarded a record-breaking $1 million in scholarships to students during the 2024-25 academic year. For many, these funds can provide the boost they need to finish their degree and pursue their goals.
“Even though USF’s tuition rates are the lowest in the nation, there are a lot of costs that go into attending college such that we see students struggling to make ends meet,” said James Leahy, a professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. “A significant number of our full-time students are also full-time employees just to pay for housing and food. I’ve sadly had too many students let me know they’re leaving the university because they can’t afford to stay when even a small scholarship would be enough to get them to the finish line.”
For students like Brandy Rodriguez, a senior studying mass communications with minors in film studies and deaf studies, scholarship funds go beyond supporting their academic journey.
“These funds were instrumental to my success at USF,” said Rodriguez, who received the Garner Rose O’Brien Halderman Endowed Scholarship and the Tom McEwen Endowed Scholarship in Journalism. “I was able to pay off the loan I had to take out freshman year, allowing me to graduate debt-free, and I was able to help support my family by buying groceries and meals.”
Both scholarships Rodriguez received came from the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications. According to Rodriguez, major-specific scholarships are among the best because they are typically less competitive than larger funds.
Rodriguez was also able to purchase camera equipment, computer parts and a drone that helped them develop their skills and complete their schoolwork.
As many students can attest, even a small scholarship can make a big difference.
“I think many donors think they need to establish a scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance, and that is simply not the case,” Leahy said. “Even a scholarship that pays $100 could help a student buy food for a month. What’s more, you can establish a scholarship and add to the endowment over time, allowing your gift to grow.”
Applications for scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year are open now.
Individuals interested in establishing a scholarship and supporting student success should contact Phyllis Leuci at pleuci@usf.edu.