You have to be bold to be at the top

The University of South Florida is on a bold trajectory.

Nearly 20 years ago when current President Rhea Law was chair of the USF Board of Trustees, the University of South Florida set out a bold vision to earn an invitation into the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Today, we are among the 71 leading research universities to achieve that distinction. With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is leading the charge to shape the future and drive innovation in the Tampa Bay region.

What does it mean to be bold?

Powering economic growth and the workforce of the Tampa Bay area ⇢

Pioneering research solutions for global challenges ⇢

Charting the course with a vision for the future ⇢

Regional impact.

As an AAU institution, USF is positioned to further enhance our role of meeting the region’s workforce needs and driving economic development. USF generates an annual economic impact of over $6 billion, supporting more than 68,000 jobs.

Whether you're interested in corporate partnerships, opportunities to recruit student talent or collaborative research, there are countless ways to connect.

Montage of a hosted event showing a backlit stage and smiling student volunteers
Montage of research including a student using a VR headset, a researcher underwater and nursing students conducting medical research

Research excellence.

Federal agencies rely on universities to perform critical research in the national interest. For USF, AAU membership means more opportunities to respond to great challenges.

Research funding awarded to USF has reached an all-time high of $692 million, representing an increase of nearly 27% from the previous year and elevating USF’s stature as one of the nation’s most research-intensive universities. Researchers in the Morsani College of Medicine received the highest investment – $416 million – and the College of Nursing experienced the greatest growth with a 61% increase in research funding.

Future-focused vision.

With the goal of positioning the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida as a national leader, USF relentlessly pursues innovation with an eye toward the future.

The first university in Florida to announce plans to create a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity, USF is charting the course for academic excellence and simultaneously investing in the physical infrastructure that supports our aspirations. In 2027, the university will open an on-campus stadium that will provide a transformational shared campus experience.

Montage of cybersecurity students using technology and a rendering of USF's upcoming stadium

Recent accomplishments:

Top 50 among all public universities for five consecutive years.

USF's highest ranking ever among all public or private universities.

Best value among all public Florida universities.

1st in Florida and 16th nationally for social mobility.

U.S. News & World Report ⇢

Be bold

Tampa | St. Petersburg | Sarasota-Manatee