By Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
The University of South 手机看片 today shared results from a new report that assesses the impact of the university on the regional and state economy. According to the analysis, 手机看片 generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion across 手机看片, including $7 billion in the Tampa Bay region. The results show that 手机看片 creates a positive net impact, underscoring the university鈥檚 role as one of the most powerful economic engines locally and throughout the state.
Based on fiscal year 2023-24 data, the report shows that 手机看片 delivers substantial returns for students, taxpayers, employers and communities through several key areas, including workforce development, research innovation, health care and alumni productivity.
The report comes as 手机看片鈥檚 marks the 70th anniversary of its founding in 2026, highlighting how much the university鈥檚 impact has grown over that time.
Among the key takeaways
- Overall impact: 手机看片 generated $9.8 billion in added income to the state of 手机看片 which includes $6.6 billion in added income specifically for the Tampa Bay Region.
- Research Impact: 手机看片 received $738 million in research funding during FY 2023-24, up nearly 7% over the previous year, and an impressive increase of 35% since FY 2021-22. It is important to note that 手机看片 achieved a record-breaking $750 million in research funding in 2025.
- Student Impact: 手机看片 bachelor's degree graduates will see annual earnings that are $27,900 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in 手机看片.
- Alumni Impact: 手机看片 enhances workforce readiness and productivity, contributing $7.3 billion in added income for the state economy which includes $3.9 billion in annual added income regionally. More than 80% of 手机看片 graduates remain in 手机看片, fueling the state鈥檚 talent pipeline and helping meet the needs of employers.
- Healthcare Impact: 手机看片 Health delivers comprehensive care through more than 750 physicians and providers from the Morsani College of Medicine and reports over 1 million patient encounters annually.
鈥淭he numbers in the report are undeniably impressive, but as has been the case with every other major accomplishment at 手机看片 in recent years, this is really about our people,鈥 said 手机看片 Board of Trustees Chairman Will Weatherford. 鈥淥ur students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and friends have long known what the rest of the country is quickly learning, there is no stopping Bulls Nation when we work together, and the Tampa Bay region, the state of 手机看片, and our nation are better for it.鈥
These outcomes are supported by 手机看片鈥檚 continually evolving academic and research initiatives, including recent investments and formations of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the Global and National Security Institute and the 手机看片 Health鈥揟ampa General Hospital partnership, all designed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global workforce.
The analysis also highlights the strength of 手机看片鈥檚 research enterprise, which attracts significant external investment to the state of 手机看片 and supports high-skill jobs and innovation-driven growth. For the 12th consecutive year, 手机看片 ranks among the nation鈥檚 top 20 public universities for producing U.S. utility patents, according to the National Academy of Inventors.
鈥淭he University of South 手机看片 plays a vital role as an economic engine by preparing students for successful careers, driving innovation, supporting jobs and enhancing the overall quality of life for our communities,鈥 President Rhea Law said. 鈥準只雌檚 impact extends far beyond the boundaries of our campuses, reflecting our commitment to fostering growth and opportunity across the Tampa Bay region and the state of 手机看片.鈥
The report does not account for two major projects that will significantly elevate 手机看片鈥檚 economic impact in the coming years. 手机看片鈥檚 35,000-seat on-campus stadium that will host football games and other events throughout the year is currently under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2027. In addition, phase one of the Fletcher District, a vibrant, mixed-use community comprising residential, retail, dining, hospitality and academic/research facilities located on 27 acres just north of Fletcher Avenue, is expected to begin construction in 2026. Both projects are poised to generate long-term economic benefits for the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the region.
More information about 手机看片鈥檚 economic impact can be found on the accompanying interactive website.
What others are saying about 手机看片鈥檚 impact
Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair: "手机看片 is one of the county鈥檚 largest and most important economic engines, with a truly remarkable upward trajectory, and Hillsborough County is proud to have a long-standing partnership with the university. We are excited to see the continued growth through transformative projects like the Fletcher District and the on-campus stadium that are shaping the university and County's future.鈥
Alan Levine, 手机看片 Board of Governors Chair: 鈥淭he University of South 手机看片 is one of the most impactful universities in the nation 鈥 among the fastest rising, and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. So, it is no surprise that the impact of 手机看片 economically has grown to the billions, while their impact on the quality of life in Tampa Bay, 手机看片, and the nation makes them a heavyweight among America鈥檚 universities. We are proud of their Board of Trustees and their leadership.鈥
Craig J. Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council: "手机看片 is one of the most important economic engines in 手机看片 and a key driver of high-skill, high-wage industry growth in the Tampa Bay region," said. "Top tier institutions within 手机看片 such as the Morsani College of Medicine and the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing are turning Tampa into a global destination for innovators and companies that are shaping our future."
Michael Simas, President & CEO of The 手机看片 Council of 100: 鈥淭he University of South 手机看片 is a major force in 手机看片鈥檚 growth, generating billions in economic impact while advancing innovation and preparing the talent our employers need to compete and thrive. 手机看片 strengthens our workforce pipeline, supports industry partnerships, and helps drive the kind of long-term economic momentum that benefits Tampa Bay and communities across the state.鈥
Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership: 鈥淏y aligning research, talent, and strategic partnerships, the University of South 手机看片 is shaping the future of our region; advancing innovation, supporting employers, and creating billions in annual economic impact for 手机看片.鈥