News Summary
The University of South Florida (USF) has climbed to No. 88 nationally in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, marking a three-spot improvement. With its notable No. 43 ranking among public universities, USF shines in areas like innovation at No. 38 and value at No. 12. The latest cohort of students boasts the highest average SAT scores and GPAs in USF’s history. Additionally, USF’s commitment to social mobility and academic excellence is reflected in its recognition for graduate programs, including the top-ranked medical school in Florida.
Tampa, Florida — The University of South Florida (USF) has reported a notable achievement in the recently released U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 college rankings, securing the No. 88 position among all public and private universities in the nation. This marks an improvement of three spots from the previous year, reinforcing USF’s reputation as a competitive choice for higher education.
Among public universities, USF stands impressively at No. 43, maintaining its presence in the Top 50 for the seventh consecutive year. This reflects a significant ascent over the past decade, during which USF has risen 40 spots from its previous ranking of No. 83. In total, USF has jumped 71 spots among all universities nationwide, advancing from No. 159 over the last ten years.
Innovative Recognition and Affordability
USF has also gained recognition as one of the most innovative schools in the nation, securing the No. 38 position in innovation rankings. In addition to innovation, the university has been praised for its affordability, ranking No. 12 in value among public universities. In-state tuition and fees are set at $6,410, which has contributed to a record number of applications from first-time college students in 2025.
Academic Excellence
The latest incoming class of students at USF has achieved the highest average SAT scores and GPAs in the university’s history, showcasing the academic excellence that USF continues to cultivate. The university’s commitment to social mobility is reflected in its ranking of No. 17 among public universities for social mobility and No. 42 nationwide for best colleges for veterans. The graduation rates further underline USF’s success: the average six-year graduation rate stands at 75%, and the graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients is 76% within the same timeframe.
Graduate Programs and Medical School Recognition
USF’s graduate programs have also been highlighted in the rankings, with 31 programs recognized in the top 100, including 15 in the Top 50 and 5 in the Top 25. Among its programs, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine stands out as the top-ranked medical school in Florida, classified within the highest tier for medical schools across the United States.
Institutional Milestones
Another significant milestone for USF was its recent inclusion in the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization that comprises only 3% of universities nationwide. This prestigious membership further enhances USF’s prestige and bolsters its positive impact on students and the community.
Contextual Overview
USF has consistently made strides in both academic and financial aspects, solidifying its status as a leading public university. Over the years, it has fostered an environment conducive to learning and innovation, driven by its commitment to academic quality and groundbreaking research. President Rhea Law noted the university’s ongoing dedication to enriching the student experience and elevating its role within the community.
As USF continues to grow and evolve, its steady climb in national rankings illustrates its increasing influence and commitment to providing quality education, innovative programming, and transformative opportunities for its students.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: USF Ranking Holds Steady
- WFLA: USF Reaches Highest Ever Position
- Miami New Times: Florida Universities Rankings
- Florida Politics: USF Reaches Historic High
- NBC Miami: Best Public Universities
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- Google Search: University of South Florida
- Google Scholar: University of South Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Florida
- Google News: University of South Florida
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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