News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine has been recognized as the top medical school in Florida, achieving Tier 1 status in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This milestone is attributed to improvements in research capabilities and educational quality. Under the leadership of Dean Charles Lockwood, the college has notably increased its ranking from 80th to Tier 1, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in medical education and research.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine has been recognized as the top medical school in Florida, achieving Tier 1 status in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This honor distinguishes the college as the only medical school in the state to reach this level, highlighting its growth and development in recent years.
The recognition is attributed to substantial progress made over the past decade, including a significant increase in research capabilities and enhancements in educational quality. Under the leadership of Charles Lockwood, the executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, the institution’s ranking has risen markedly. When Lockwood arrived in 2014, the college was ranked 80th nationally.
In the latest ranking criteria, factors such as research activity, student selectivity, and faculty resources were taken into account. Faculty resources, in particular, are assessed by the ratio of full-time faculty to students, highlighting the college’s commitment to providing an extensive educational experience.
The past few years have seen remarkable growth for USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, including achieving Association of American Universities (AAU) status in 2023, making it the first Florida public university to achieve this designation in 40 years. This accomplishment reflects USF’s commitment to high-quality research and education.
In 2024, USF reported receiving $738 million in research funding, with a 158% increase in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a total increase of 212% in research funding since Lockwood’s arrival. These numbers underscore the institution’s focus on advancing medical research and education.
Other institutions that have earned Tier 1 status include Baylor College of Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, and Emory University School of Medicine. USF’s achievement places it among some of the most prestigious medical schools in the nation.
While the ranking signifies the institution’s progress, officials have also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on educational quality and community service. Faculty members at the Morsani College of Medicine are committed to fostering a dynamic educational environment that drives both student success and innovative research.
USF has formed partnerships with Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center, enhancing the clinical training opportunities available to students and supporting research initiatives. These collaborations are a testament to the quality of healthcare programs and resources available at the college, which are recognized as “two of the best in the country.”
Despite the impressive ranking, there is a call among faculty to not overly fixate on these accolades. The institution remains dedicated to its educational mission and the ongoing provision of invaluable service to the community. With the recent designation as Florida’s leading medical school, USF’s Morsani College of Medicine continues to strive for excellence in education, research, and clinical care.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Ranked Best in the State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical School
- Philanthropy Jobs: Assistant Vice President for USF Health Development
- Google Search: USF Morsani College of Medicine
- Fox 13 News: USF’s Morsani College of Medicine Update
- Google News: US News Medical School Rankings
