University of South Florida

4202 East Fowler Ave Tampa, FL

• Rating: A+
• 30,097 Students
• Public

Description

The University of South Florida (USF), located in Tampa, Florida, is a dynamic public research university known for its strong emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and business programs. As a leading institution in the State University System of Florida, USF offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university’s focus on innovation and research, coupled with its diverse student body and vibrant campus life, makes it an attractive option for students seeking a comprehensive and engaging educational experience in a thriving urban setting.

National Merit

Both Florida and non-Florida National Merit Finalists at USF have big-dollar scholarship opportunities. Benefits in addition to the scholarships listed below are:

• Automatic admission to the Judy Genshaft Honors College and its benefits
• On-campus housing option in our Judy Genshaft Honors College Living Learning Community
• Research opportunities
• A designated National Merit Scholars Coordinator (based on Tampa Campus) to support you throughout your USF journey

Florida Residents

• Scholarship covering your full cost of attendance as determined by the State of Florida Benacquisto Scholarship Program.
• USF National Merit Tradition of Excellence Award ($20,000/$5,000 per year)
• Scholarship options for study abroad (USF Passport Scholarship – $2,000)

Non-Florida Residents

• Scholarship covering your full cost of attendance as determined by the USF Golden Achievement Program
• Scholarship options for study abroad (USF Passport Scholarship – $2,000)

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

The University of South Florida Office of Admissions gives over 10,000 merit-based awards annually to admitted first-time-in-college students. USF will automatically consider individuals for competitive merit-based scholarships when they submit and complete the freshman application.

Florida Resident Scholarships:

• USF Presidential Award: ~$16,000 (up to $4,000 per year)
  The USF Presidential Award is the highest merit award for Florida residents based on academic excellence throughout high school.  The scholarship can be used toward the cost of attendance at the University of South Florida for up to four years or the completion of a bachelor’s degree (whichever comes first).
• USF Directors Award: ~$14,000 (up to $3,500 per year)
  The USF Directors Award recognizes the achievements of students that have met and exceeded the academic profile of the incoming FTIC class each year. It is awarded to students who showed scholarly rigor throughout high school and across their standardized tests. The scholarship can be used toward the cost of attendance at the University of South Florida for up to four years or the completion of a bachelor’s degree (whichever comes first).
• USF Scholars Gold Award: ~$8,000 (up to $2,000 per year)
  The USF Scholars Gold Award is received by the largest group of students to have met the academic standards of the University of South Florida. Students that achieve this award showed rigor throughout diverse high school coursework and proficiency on their standardized tests. The scholarship can be used toward the cost of attendance at the University of South Florida for up to four years or the completion of a bachelor’s degree (whichever comes first).

Non-Florida Resident Scholarships

• Out-of-State Waivers: Out-of-state, merit-based tuition reduction waivers are awarded to a limited number of admitted first-year students who are not Florida residents. Out-of-state reduction awards are disbursed as waivers that decrease the total cost of attendance but only apply toward out-of-state tuition. These awards cannot be used toward other cost of attendance expenses (housing, meals, books) at the University of South Florida. They will pay up to the amount of the award, but if the student is enrolled in fewer course credits, the waiver may pay less than the amount awarded. If a student’s residency is updated to in-state for tuition purposes after enrollment, the merit-based tuition waiver will no longer apply, the award will be canceled and it will not replaced by a Florida resident award.
  • Please note: The out-of-state, merit-based tuition reduction waivers cannot be combined with another tuition-wavier scholarship (USF Grandparent Waiver or Green and Gold Talent Award) since both scholarships waive the same portion of non-resident tuition. 
• Green and Gold Presidential Waiver Award: ~$44,000 (up to $11,000 per year)
• Green and Gold Directors Waiver Award: ~$36,000 (up to $9,000 per year)
• Green and Gold Scholars Waiver Award: ~$20,000 (up to $5,000 per year)

Last Updated: February 2025