Dreaming of studying at a top-ranked university in sunny Tampa?
Look no further than the University of South Florida (USF), with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to ignite your curiosity!
Whether you are interested in computer programming at the newly established Bellini College of AI, a degree in business, or even preserving and saving lives in the field of public health, USF is the place for you. This guide to University of South Florida courses will show you the best programs to study, scholarship costs, and some sneaky study hacks to have an epic trip during your time. Also, we include relevant tips about Tampa and Washington DC that you can check out during your studies, so let's get started!
Why Study At the University Of South Florida?
The University of South Florida (USF) is not a degree mill—rather, an experience. Ranked #91 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025), USF is also a member of the esteemed Association of American Universities (AAU), a seal of quality in research and innovation.
You will be part of a community of over 50,000 students representing 145 countries on 3 sunny campuses: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Whether you study engineering, health sciences, business, or the arts, you will find a college for every interest across USF's 14 colleges. Additionally, USF's tuition cost makes it one of the most affordable top-tier education options in the United States.
And when it comes to graduate programs, USF shines nationally. Several programs rank in the top 50, including:
- #3 for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- #18 for Criminology
- #22 for Audiology
- #24 for Nursing (Master’s)
- #27 for Library and Information Sciences
- #29 for Public Health
- #33 for Physical Therapy
- #34 for Doctor of Nursing Practice
- #36 for Nursing-Anesthesia
- #46 for Rehabilitation Counseling
- #48 for Education Overall, Environmental Engineering, and Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems Engineering
Online learning is just as strong—four of USF’s online graduate programs rank in the Top 100, with the online MBA program landing in the Top 25 and earning a special spot (#40) for veterans.
Plus, 75 students recently received major national scholarships and fellowships, including Fulbright, Gilman, Boren, and Goldwater awards.
What is the University of South Florida QS Ranking 2025?
How to Apply for USF Courses?
Applying to the University of South Florida is pretty straightforward—no confusing hoops to jump through. Here’s a quick overview:
Applying to USF is easy — just follow four simple steps:
- Submit your application online (via USF or the Common App)
- Pay the $30 fee (or send a fee waiver if eligible)
- Fill out your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) after activating your USF NetID.
- Send your SAT, ACT, or CLT scores directly from the testing service. (USF superscores to give you the best possible results!)
Amber Pro Tip: If your transcripts aren't in English, save yourself some time and get certified translations through the American Translators Association.
You can also find the official USD guide on how to apply for the courses here! Thank us later
Undergraduate Programs at USF
Ready to explore the University of South Florida undergraduate courses?
Admission to USF's undergraduate programs usually requires a competitive GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and a well-rounded application that demonstrates engagement in extracurricular activities and leadership.
With multiple scholarship opportunities and exciting campus atmosphere in Tampa, it's easy to see why USF continues to rise in national rankings.
Popular Undergraduate Degree Programs at USF
The University of South Florida features undergraduate degrees in 14 colleges and offers great flexibility. Visitation data indicates Business, Health Professions, and Computer Science are a popular program option. Here is a look at some highlighted USF undergraduate degree options:
- B.S. in Business Administration: Specialize in marketing, finance, or other entrepreneurial activities, access to career fairs that host top employers, and benefit from a strong alumni network.
- B.S. in Computer Science: Dive into AI, software design, and cybersecurity with the new Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing (USF News).
- B.S. in Health Sciences: A pre-med or nursing curriculum with labs, ideally suited for health professions and similar future careers.
- B.A. in Psychology: Focus on understanding human behavior for future careers in counseling or research.
- B.A. in Mass Communications: Perfect for students who want to work in journalism, advertising, or public relations.
Insider Tips and Hacks: University of South Florida Undergraduate Courses
Maximize your USF experience with these hacks:
- Check the USF Course Catalog to plan electives that align with career goals.
- Register early via MyUSF to secure spots in high-demand USF undergraduate courses like Computer Science.
- Join clubs via BullSync to network and boost your resume.
- Use Handshake for internships tied to USF majors.
Top Graduate Programs at USF
USF's University of South Florida postgraduate programs are spread across 13+ colleges, with standout programs designed for go-getter professionals.
Here are some highlights:
- MSc in Computer Science: Specialization in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics, fueled by the newly established Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing (USF News).
- MBA: Provides specializations such as Supply Chain Management or Sports Management, with a June 1, 2025 application deadline for Fall (USF Admissions).
- MPH in Public Health: Nationally ranked top 50, best for careers in global health (U.S. News).
- MSc in Management Information Systems: Combines business and tech for in-demand positions.
- MA in Education: Specialization in curriculum design or educational leadership for future teachers.
USF’s USF degree programs offer affordability, research opportunities, and a diverse community of 50,000+ students from 150 countries. USF graduates also have a high employment rate within six months of graduation, particularly in tech, health sciences, and business fields.
University of South Florida-Tampa: Program Fees and Deadlines You Need to Know
- Deadlines : Get accustomed to tracking them: Depending on your program, you need to follow multiple deadlines for each intake (Fall 2025 or Spring 2026). Many have priority deadlines, which could impact your admission since some are also funding cut-off dates needed for scholarships! So, don't miss them!
Program lengths vary: Are you completing a 1-year master's program, a more traditional 2-year program, or a 3 to 4-year intensive program such as an MBA or Ph.D.? USF has all programs.
- Tuition costs at USF are very straightforward: Most programs range from INR 11.3-13.6 Lakh/year (USD 13,219–15,864). But the length of the program affects the total cost, so always plan for the total length of the program.
Here's the latest breakdown:
Tuition and Fees for International Students At University Of South Florida
Did you know that USF offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the United States?
It’s true! They have been nationally recognized for affordability and value by many outside organizations, including Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and U.S. News & World Report.
USF Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities available for students attending USF.
- First-Year/Freshman Students: You will be automatically considered for admissions-based scholarships when you apply to USF.
- Transfer Students: You may be considered for our International Transfer Student Scholarship if you apply in time.
- Graduate Students: You may find assistantships at USF which can reduce your cost of attendance.
- There are also other scholarships offered through the USF Foundation, separately funded, which have an entire different application process.
Amber Pro Tip: You can also explore amberscholar program and win scholarship upto 12000USD
Alright, future Bulls, let’s wrap this up with some real talk!
The University of South Florida courses are like a treasure chest of possibilities, whether you’re geeking out over code in the shiny new Bellini College of AI, building your empire with a USF MBA, or making a difference with USF public health programs.
And, of course, USF online courses in things like Criminal Justice so you can study from your couch.
So, what's the move? Jump into the University of South Florida classes, become part of the Bull fam, and begin writing your story.
Take a last tip from us: Hit Washington DC restaurants like Zorba’s Cafe for cheap, delicious Greek food