University of South Florida SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At South Florida, scores are not optional, so your test plan should be specific: 78% submit the SAT, making 1320 a smart target to clear. Strong grades matter too, with an average entering GPA of 4.06, but a score near the top of the range can help you maximize your opportunity.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of South Florida facts and stats
University of South Florida is a large public university in Tampa, Florida, enrolling 38,525 undergraduates. South Florida has a 91% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its six-year graduation rate is 77%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21.5:1. For admissions, South Florida is test-required.
Tampa, FL
How do your scores compare at South Florida?
Key University of South Florida application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
March 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
January
Financial Aid Priority
January 1
Test dates
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
November 7, 2026
Registration deadline: October 23, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
For South Florida, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes that can improve your superscore. Because South Florida is test-required and has a January 1 financial aid priority deadline, a December retake is likely the last one that can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
South Florida is a public American Conference university, with in-state tuition of $4,559 and out-of-state tuition of $15,473. About 47% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 1.

University of South Florida’s out-of-state tuition is $15,473, while in-state tuition is $4,559; room and board adds $14,440. Aid is meaningful for many students, with 47% receiving assistance and an average aid package of $15,184. Merit awards average $3,493, which can help reduce the bill but may not cover a large share of total costs. Graduates leave with an average debt of $20,522.
Student life at University of South Florida
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
20% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 2% of men join fraternities, and 4% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLAcceptance rate: 44.7%
SAT: 1210–1340
ACT: 25–29
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FLAcceptance rate: 66.1%
SAT: 1040–1210
ACT: 21–26
Florida International University
Miami, FLAcceptance rate: 54.7%
SAT: 1070–1250
ACT: 21–27
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLAcceptance rate: 24.2%
SAT: 1290–1400
ACT: 29–32

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