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Staff members sit at a table at USF luncheon

2025 USF Employee Appreciation Lunch [Photos by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing]

USF recognized by Forbes as the best employer among Florida universities

By Gregory Bowers, University Communications and Marketing

The University of South Florida is one of Florida’s best employers – and ranks No. 1 among all public or private universities in the state – according to a new list released by Forbes.

President Rhea Law with members of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

USF President Rhea Law with members of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

“We are proud to be recognized for the fourth year in a row by Forbes as one of Florida’s top employers,” President Rhea Law said. “USF is on an incredible trajectory because of our people, who boldly pursue excellence and drive the university to reach milestones faster than many imagined was possible.”

To create the list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 160,000 people working for companieswith at least 500 employees within the United States. Survey participants were asked to gauge their overall willingness to recommend their current employer to family and friends. They were also asked to rate their willingness to recommend any previous employers of the last two years. 

USF ranks No. 5 in Florida out of all employers headquartered in the state, and No. 1 among all employers with headquarters in Tampa.

USF employs approximately 16,000 people at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health.

More information on the methodology  

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