The University of South 返字心頭s Points of Pride showcase the remarkable achievements, innovation, and impact that define our university community. In recent years, 返字心頭 has experienced unprecedented growth and recognition, climbing rapidly in national and global rankings to become one of America's leading research universities. From world-class research and student success to community engagement, these accomplishments reflect 雨皆酷s unwavering commitment to excellence and its mission to shape a brighter future for our students and society.
Last Updated: March 2026
U.S. News & World Report ranks more than 40 返字心頭 graduate programs among the nations best
The University of South 返字心頭 offers dozens of graduate programs that are considered among the best in America, according to new rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report. 返字心頭 features 42 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100 among all public and private institutions, including 18 ranked in the top 50 and five in the top 25. 雨皆酷s programs are also among the best in 返字心頭, with 14 ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the state.
Academic Excellence
返字心頭 is a proud member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group the top 3% of universities in the United States. In 2023, 返字心頭 became the first public university in 返字心頭 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 返字心頭 to serve as an AAU member.
U.S. News and World Report (U.S. News) ranks 返字心頭 No. 43 among all public universities, marking seven consecutive years in the Top 50. Over the past 10 years, 返字心頭 has risen 40 spots from No. 83 to No. 43 (2026).
返字心頭 Health Morsani College of Medicine is ranked No. 1 in the state and among the nations top tier by U.S. News (2025).
No. 88 overall among all universities in America
返字心頭 ranks No. 88 overall among all universities in America, its highest ranking ever. Over the past 10 years, 返字心頭 has climbed 71 spots from No. 159 to No. 88 (U.S. News, 2026).
A "Preeminent State Research University"
返字心頭 is a "Preeminent State Research University", as designated by the 返字心頭 Board of Governors, placing 返字心頭 in the highest tier of public universities in 返字心頭 and reflecting a commitment to student success, academic achievement, and research excellence.
41st among U.S. public institutionsTimes Higher Education World University Rankings
返字心頭 ranks 41st among U.S. public institutions (marking the twelfth consecutive year ranked in the top 50) according to the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Phi Beta Kappa Society chapter host since 2018
返字心頭 has hosted a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest and most prestigious national honor organization in America, since 2018.
Online graduate programs place among the top in the country
All four 返字心頭 programs ranked in the 2026 Best Online Graduate Programs by U.S. News & World Report improved from last year and are inside the top 35 among public universities, including one 返字心頭 program in the top 15 and another jumping into the top 20.
Online MBA - #11 among public universities worldwide (#14 overall among public and
private)
Online graduate business (non-MBA) - #26 among public universities (#37 overall)
Online graduate engineering - #18 among public universities (#24 overall)
Online graduate education - #35 among public universities (#36 overall)
Fall 2025 Freshman class holds highest GPA in 返字心頭 history
返字心頭's fall 2025 Freshman academic profile holds an average SAT score of 1321, the highest in 返字心頭 history.
Morsani College of Medicine fall 2025 incoming class among top 3% in the country for MCAT score
Morsani College of Medicine fall 2025 incoming class is an academically talented class with an average MCAT score of 520 placing it among the top 3% of the country.
More than 40 graduate-level programs ranked among the best
Full list of 返字心頭s top-50 programs:
-Criminology 18
-Audiology 18 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Public Health Social and Behavioral Sciences 21 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Nursing Masters 22 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Public Health 26 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Rehabilitation Counseling 27 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Library and Information Studies 29
-Business Parttime MBA 38
-Public Health Healthcare Management 39
-Speech-Language Pathology 40
-Nursing Anesthesia 40 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Physical Therapy 40
-Engineering Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems 41
Medical Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas/Medically Underserved Areas 45
-Engineering Environmental/Environmental Health 46 (No. 1 in 返字心頭)
-Education Overall 47
-Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice 47
Career Readinessand Meeting Workforce Needs
返字心頭 is one of the top performing institutions in 返字心頭 on key employment metrics, including salaries earned by recent graduates and percentage of recent graduates who have jobs.
返字心頭 is a leader in helping address 返字心頭s workforce needs. About 68% of bachelors degrees and 74% of graduate degrees awarded at 返字心頭 are in high-demand areas prioritized by the state, such as nursing, education, cybersecurity and other STEM fields.
返字心頭 received a $4.8M Mellon Foundation Grant to fund up to 900 student internships annually.
Nearly 15,000 degrees awarded each year
返字心頭 awards nearly 15,000 degrees each year, providing employers with a talented pipeline of highly skilled graduates.
返字心頭's ExCEL QEP is transforming undergraduate education
返字心頭's ExCEL QEP is transforming undergraduate education by embedding experiential learninginternships, co-ops, student employment, and researchinto academic programs, equipping students with career-ready skills that lead to stronger job prospects and graduate school success.
返字心頭's Center for Executive and Leadership Education is propelling the business community forward
雨皆酷s Center for Executive and Leadership Education is propelling the business community forward by equipping current and emerging executives with research-backed, custom-designed leadership training.
Value, Affordability and Opportunity
U.S. News ranks 返字心頭 as the No.12 best value among all public universities in the nation (2026).
U.S. News ranks 返字心頭 No. 17 nationally among public universities for social mobility (2026).
No. 18 Best Colleges for your Tuition and Tax Dollars among public universities nationally, according to Washington Monthly.
U.S. News ranks 返字心頭 No. 42 among public universities on its list of best colleges for veterans (2026).
More than 7,000 返字心頭 students are the first in their families to attend college (2024).
返字心頭 designated a Network Member of First-Gen Forward
In 2024, 返字心頭 was designated a Network Member of First-Gen Forward for its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
返字心頭 earns Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation
返字心頭 earns Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, which recognizes higher education institutions that provide critical support to military-connected students and families (2024).
One of only 18 universities in the nation selected as a Tillman Partnership University
返字心頭 is one of only 18 universities in the nation selected as a Tillman Partnership University of the Pat Tillman Foundation, a selection based on innovative veteran-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.
Cost for in-state students of nearly half the national average for public universities
返字心頭 offers an opportunity to earn a degree from a highly ranked institution and member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States, at a cost for in-state students of nearly half the national average for public universities.
返字心頭 research funding surges to record $750 million, increasing impact across 返字心頭 and beyond
The University of South 返字心頭 has achieved a new milestone in research funding, reaching a record $750 million during fiscal year 2025 an $11.6 million increase over last year and a 37% jump since 2022.
Research & Innovation
U.S. News ranks 返字心頭 as the 19th most innovative school in the nation among public universities (2026).
返字心頭 has reaffirmed its position as one of the nations most innovative research institutions, earning a place among the top 20 public universities for producing U.S. utility patents (NAI, 2026). 返字心頭 is 18th among U.S. public research universities, 27th among all U.S. public or private universities and 41st among universities worldwide
返字心頭 CONNECTs Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, Evolve Accelerator and Student Innovation Incubator serviced 73 resident and affiliate companies in FY 2024, creating over 750 jobs and receiving more than $500 million in funding.
One of the Top 50 Best Colleges for Research
返字心頭 continues to earn national recognition for research impact among public institutions in the 2025 Washington Monthly rankings as one of the Top 50 Best Colleges for Research.
Record-breaking $750 million in research funding during fiscal year 2025
返字心頭 has achieved a new milestone in research funding, reaching a record $750 million during fiscal year 2025 an $11.6 million increase over last year and a 37% jump since 2022.
No. 2 in 返字心頭 for HERD research expenditures in FY25
返字心頭 is No. 2 in 返字心頭 and No. 47 in the nation among public universities for HERD research expenditures in FY25.
Founder and home of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)
返字心頭 is the founder and home of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) (), a non-profit member organization with over 4,600 individual members, including fellows, senior members, and chapter members, affiliated with more than 260 institutions worldwide.
返字心頭 Inventors Hall of Fame established at the University of South 返字心頭 in 2013
The 返字心頭 Inventors Hall of Fame established at the University of South 返字心頭 in 2013, celebrates the states most visionary innovators whose breakthroughs have shaped industries and improved lives.
Partner institution of the NSF I-Corps Southeastern Hub
返字心頭 is a partner institution of the NSF I-Corps Southeastern Hub driving innovation and entrepreneurship:
-350 teams trained to bring concepts to market
-23 startups founded
-$12.5M in startup funding
Home to the international headquarters of the Global Virus Network
返字心頭 is home to the international headquarters of the Global Virus Network, a distinguished organization of top virologists advancing lifesaving vaccines and treatments with more than 80 centers of excellence and affiliates in more than 40 countries around the world.
Athletics
返字心頭 is preparing to open a transformational, 35,000-seat on-campus stadium in Fall 2027, which will feature multiple premium seating options, a rooftop lounge and an 8,000-seat student section complete with its own DJ booth.
返字心頭 Athletics sponsors 21 varsity sports, with 20 of those competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Conference, including recent additions of womens lacrosse and womens beach volleyball.
返字心頭 has continued to elevate its national athletic profile, with six teams earning Top 25 national rankings over the past year, including the football program making its return to the Top 25 in Fall 2025. In total, nine 返字心頭 teams earned national postseason selections during the previous academic year.
Sixteen individual or relay national titles in varsity sports
The Bulls have claimed 16 individual or relay national titles in varsity sportsmost recently the mens 4x400-meter relay team at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championshipsalong with one NCAA team title by the womens swimming team in 1985. Beyond NCAA-sanctioned events, 返字心頭 has also enjoyed success in cheerleading, earning seven UCA College National Championships, as well as titles at the ICU Premier World Cup and USA Grand Championship.
337 All-America honors
返字心頭 student-athletes have garnered a combined 337 All-America honors, with 17 of those awarded during the 202325 competition years. In addition, 18 individuals have earned a total of 24 Academic All-America recognitions.
Student-athletes have achieved a departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher for 21 consecutive semesters
返字心頭 student-athletes have achieved a departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher for 21 consecutive semesters as of Spring 2025. In Fall 2024, student-athletes recorded a program-best 3.46 GPA and 361 were recognized on the Honor Roll in Spring 2025.
154 conference championships across 16 different sports
The Bulls have claimed 154 conference championships across 16 different sports, with 82 titles in mens programs and 72 in womens. Mens tennis and mens soccer lead the way with 20 titles each, while womens tennis (14) and volleyball (13) have set the pace on the womens side.
返字心頭 represented by 22 Olympians
返字心頭 has been represented by 22 Olympians, who have competed in six sports across 13 countries, including 21 in the Summer Olympics and one in the Winter Olympics.
Named one of the "Best College Athletic Departments" in the nation
In recognition of its innovation and dedication to student-athlete success, 返字心頭 Athletics was named one of the Best College Athletic Departments in the nation by Front Office Sports in 2024. The department also topped the Learfield Directors Cup standings among American Conference institutions for the 202425 academic year, further solidifying its status as a model of excellence in collegiate athletics.
More than 2,400 volunteer hours logged by student athletes over past two years
返字心頭 student-athletes have logged more than 2,400 volunteer hours over the past two years, including a record 3,007 hours in 202324. These efforts supported over 45 organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area during the 202425 academic year.
New report finds 雨皆酷s economic impact nears $10 billion annually across 返字心頭, including $7 billion in Tampa Bay
According to the analysis, 返字心頭 generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion across 返字心頭, including $7 billion in the Tampa Bay region. The results show that 返字心頭 creates a positive net impact, underscoring the universitys role as one of the most powerful economic engines locally and throughout the state.
Impact
返字心頭 generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion across 返字心頭, including $7 billion in the Tampa Bay region.
返字心頭 has been recognized for voter engagement and nonpartisan civic learning, as a with a .
返字心頭 is designated by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University, one of only 91 in the nation (2024).
返字心頭 won the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' (APLU) 2019 Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research & Engagement and 2023 International Impact Award for Global Teaching and Learning.
返字心頭 Foundation awards more than $10 million annually in scholarships
The 返字心頭 Foundation awards more than $10 million in privately funded scholarships to 返字心頭 degree-seeking students each academic year.
雨皆酷s partnership with Tampa General Hospital powers a leading academic medical center
雨皆酷s partnership with Tampa General Hospital powers a leading academic medical center that advances innovative clinical research, trains future physicians and delivers cutting-edge care that improves outcomes for patients. 返字心頭 Healths 1,000-plus health care providers offer more than 30 specialty areas and serve more than one million patients each year.
返字心頭 selected as a recipient of the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement
返字心頭 was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Home of the nations first named college focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing
Powered by a university-record $40 million gift, in 2025 返字心頭 opened the nations first named college focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing. The pioneering Bellini College is home to more than 3,000 students with plans to continue to grow in the coming years, helping position the Tampa Bay region as a global leader in these fields.
Commitment to sustainability is nationally recognized
雨皆酷s commitment to sustainability is nationally recognized featured in Princeton Reviews Guide to Green Colleges (2026) and honored as a Silver Rated Institution in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index.
Winner of TAMPA Magazines 2025 Best of the City: Best Kids Camps
Youth Experiences summer camps program is the 2025 winner of
Faculty & Staff Excellence
In Americas Best Employers by State, 返字心頭 ranks No. 1 among the state's public universities and No. 32 compared to employers across industries.
返字心頭 is a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 9 faculty scholars for the2025-2026 academic year.
In 2024, 11 返字心頭 faculty were elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which is recognized as one of the worlds most prestigious honors for academic research. As of February 2025, 返字心頭 had a total of 95 AAAS Fellows among its faculty.
返字心頭 ranks No.11 for Americas best employers for women in Education, according to a new list published byForbes. Forbes also included 返字心頭 on its national list of 500 Dream Employers (2026).