University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public research university founded in 1956, enrolling nearly 50,000 students across three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. A Preeminent State Research University and member of the AAU, it is classified among the top 50 public universities in the United States, a position reached in roughly 70 years and making it one of the country's fastest-rising institutions.

Research is central to its operations. The university draws about $750 million in annual research funding, with activity spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, medical research and health sciences, environmental engineering and interdisciplinary work. The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is a new college devoted to education and research in those fields. USF Health, a top-ranked academic medical and health sciences enterprise, conducts medical research and clinical training. Other initiatives include work on Florida's red tide using engineered materials.

Students and staff engage through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship and collaboration across disciplines. Global Learning Programs extend study and learning abroad to 68 countries. The university states a belief that every student will succeed if given the opportunity, and describes a culture that pairs innovation with belonging.