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Why USF?
A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of South Florida is a high-impact research university on a relentless mission to discover, innovate, and improve. USF is the first public university in Florida to be invited to join the AAU in nearly 40 years and is now one of only two institutions from the State University System of Florida to serve as an AAU member. USF is also one of the youngest institutions to be welcomed into the AAU, a reflection of the university’s fast rise. Of the association’s now 71 members, USF is the fifth youngest and one of only six AAU universities to be founded after 1950.
Our mission is to conduct innovative scholarship, creative activity, and basic and
translational research, that delivers a world-class educational experience promoting
the success of our talented and diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional
students.
We believe in investing in our faculty – in their ideas and their work. Groundbreaking
research is a priority at USF. With over $480 million in research contracts and grants,
we empower our scholars to break barriers, generate knowledge, unleash innovation,
and change lives.
At USF, you will experience an environment that fosters and supports innovators and
achievers. With the world at their fingertips, researchers at USF turn thought into
action – and impact.
USF’s innovation and economic development efforts produce tangible benefits across
Florida. The university had a total economic impact of $6.02 billion in fiscal 2019-20
and supports 68,704 jobs in the state. USF is among the top 15 U.S. public universities
for granted U.S. patents according to the National Academy of Inventors (2023), and has ranked in the top 15 among American public universities for 10 consecutive
years.
With more than 16,000 employees, USF is the 14th largest public employer in Florida and serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries
Diverse campus experiences
With three campuses across the Tampa Bay region and an expanding urban presence, the University of South Florida offers diverse campus experiences. From downtown to waterfront and bayside, you can experience the unique personalities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, while enjoying USF’s shared mission and distinct academic culture.
Points of pride
In the region, in the state, in the nation and across the globe, the University of South Florida is making an impact. Here are just a few of the distinctive attributes that make our young, vibrant, and dynamic university a leading institution of higher education.
America's Fastest-Rising University
USF Ranked #45 among Public Institutions by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Recognized as a Top Employer
Newsweek ranks USF as one of America’s greatest workplaces for 2023, a list of the top 1,000 companies in the United States with at least 1,000 employees.
Fulbright Excellence
The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked USF among the top 10 institutions in the nation for Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 7 faculty scholars for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Diverse student body
The class of 2025 features the largest, most academically accomplished and diverse cohort in USF history. The group of 6,392 first-year students includes record increases in out-of-state and international students. The class includes 763 first-year students on the USF St. Petersburg campus, a jump of 83% from 418 students last year.
Life in Tampa Bay
USF is situated in the vibrant, diverse, and fast-growing Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Over the past decade, the Tampa Bay region has transformed from a well-kept regional secret to one of the fastest-growing global powerhouses, attracting Fortune 500 companies, major athletic and cultural institutions, and top talent from around the world. A major metropolitan area situated on the coast has its benefits for research and leisure activities. Florida has no state income tax and the Tampa Bay area maintains a lower cost of living than the national average.
Principles of Community
We the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators of the University of South Florida unite as a community to propel the success of “One USF.” We celebrate our accomplishments and respect our complex differences. We commit ourselves to shaping the future in a community that cherishes justice, accessibility, and meaningful participation by all of its members. USF starts with US.
Explore USF's Principles of Community
USF offers a competitive total package
In addition to being a part of a dynamic research university, employees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of pre-tax and post-tax voluntary benefit programs and retirement plans based on the type of position held.