The University of South Florida is a national leader—No. 1 in Florida and No. 5 in the U.S.—for reducing inequalities, according to new rankings published by the Times Higher Education (THE).
The rankings measure universities by several categories, including the amount of first generation students, the number of students from developing countries, the proportion of students and staff with disabilities, discrimination policies and the amount of research a university conducted on reduced inequalities.
As a preeminent university home to over 50,000 students representing 145 different counties, USF has long incorporated diversity, inclusion and accessibility as core values.
“At USF, a fundamental principle of our student success initiative is a belief that all students can and will succeed if allowed the chance to do so,” said Ralph Wilcox, USF provost and executive vice president. “This important recognition exemplifies USF’s continued dedication to providing a world-class education to all students regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, national origin, and zip code.”
Since launching a campus-wide student success movement in 2010, USF has experienced transformational results, including a six-year graduation rate increase from 51 to 73 percent. USF has reached these outcomes while eliminating the achievement gaps by race, ethnicity and income level, a rare accomplishment in higher education that has earned USF national recognition by the Education Trust and the Third Way organizations for black, Latino and Pell Grant-eligible student success.