University of South Florida SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
South Florida is test-required, so your score is not a side note: with an average entering GPA above 4.0, a 29 ACT or better helps you sit near the top of the admitted range. The 43% admit rate means this is a reachable target if your grades and testing line up.
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 enrolls 38,525 undergraduates. South Florida has a 91% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 77% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21.5:1. South Florida is test-required for admissions.
Tampa, FL
How do your scores compare at South Florida?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
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
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 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
Because South Florida is test-required, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and fall for superscore-focused retakes. With the January 1 financial aid priority deadline, a December retake is typically the last fall test date whose scores can arrive in time.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of South Florida?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
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
Baptist University of Florida
Graceville, FLAcceptance rate: 64.1%
SAT: 930–1200
ACT: 17–23
Barry University
Miami Shores, FLAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 910–1100
ACT: 17–23
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FLAcceptance rate: 88.2%
SAT: 830–990
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, FLAcceptance rate: 97.9%
Ready to fit University of South Florida's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.