It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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What customers are saying
Get to know University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a top public research university recognized for excellence across business, engineering, health, and the sciences—driven by a mission of innovation, accessibility, and impact on the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
Overview
Established in 1956, the University of South Florida is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida, with additional campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. As a member of the State University System of Florida, USF offers a wide range of academic programs, a strong focus on research and innovation, a vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams known as the Bulls.
Size
As of fall 2024, the University of South Florida has a total enrollment of approximately 50,000 students, including more than 38,000 undergraduates and over 12,000 graduate students across its three campuses.
Acceptance rate
USF has an acceptance rate of approximately 49%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1210 and 1370 or an ACT score between 25 and 30.
Cost
For the 2024–2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at USF are approximately $6,420 for in-state students and $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduate tuition and fees vary by program, with details available on USF’s official website. USF provides a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans, to help students manage their educational costs.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of South Florida is ranked No. 91 among Tier I National Universities and No. 45 among all public universities for 2025.
Academics
USF offers more than 180 undergraduate majors and concentrations, along with over 130 graduate, specialist, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of about 22:1, supporting both academic engagement and access to research opportunities.
Traditions
USF’s traditions include the Herd of Thunder Marching Band, the annual Homecoming Week featuring the parade and Carnival, the Rocky the Bull mascot, Bull Market student organization fair, Stampede of Champions at Raymond James Stadium, and the Green & Gold Bash celebrating school spirit and community.
Campus landmarks
USF’s best landmarks include the Marshall Student Center at the heart of campus, the iconic “Rocky the Bull” statue, the USF Botanical Gardens, the Contemporary Art Museum, and Raymond James Stadium, home to Bulls football—showcasing the university’s vibrant campus life and community spirit.
Student body
Over 90% of USF students are Florida residents, with out-of-state students primarily from neighboring states such as Georgia, New York, and Texas. USF also has a strong international presence, drawing students from more than 140 countries worldwide.
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In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour University of South Florida questions, answered
What GPA do you need to get into the University of South Florida?
Most admitted students to USF have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, making that range competitive for admission. While there isn’t a strict minimum GPA requirement, strong SAT (1240–1370) or ACT (27–30) scores can also strengthen an application.
How close is the University of South Florida to the beach?
The closest beach to USF’s Tampa campus is Ben T. Davis Beach, about a 45–50 minute drive. Students also frequent nearby spots like Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island, and Treasure Island—all within about an hour’s drive.
What majors is the University of South Florida best known for?
Some of USF’s most popular majors include Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Finance, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Biology, Criminology, Marketing, and Business. Biomedical Sciences is the largest program, with more than 800 graduates each year.
Is housing guaranteed at the University of South Florida?
USF does not guarantee housing for all students, but on-campus housing is prioritized for first-year undergraduates who apply by the stated deadlines. After the first year, students may apply to live on campus, though space is limited and not guaranteed.
What do USF students do for fun?
Many USF students get involved in campus life through fraternities and sororities, intramural sports, and student events. Off campus, Tampa offers plenty to do—restaurants, shopping, movies, concerts, and a vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs all nearby.
How can you take a campus tour of USF?
USF offers in-person guided tours, self-guided tours, and virtual tours. You can schedule a guided tour through the USF Admissions website, explore campus independently with a self-guided tour map, or experience the university online through a virtual tour.
Does USF offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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