WalletHub ranks USF No. 4 in Florida for best colleges

In a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance website, USF was ranked No. 4 for “2020’s Best Colleges & Universities in Florida” and No. 117 in the nation.
The results may come as a surprise to some after U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for the top public university in the nation rated USF at No. 44, ahead of its geographically closest competitor, UCF.
In the WalletHub study, however, UCF ranked No. 3 in Florida and No. 97 in the nation, just ahead of USF. UF was ranked first in the state and 32nd in the nation. FSU was No. 2 in the state and 43rd nationally.
To determine the results, the top-performing schools across the country with the lowest tuition rates for undergraduates were taken into consideration during the study.
WalletHub examined more than 1,000 higher education institutions across the country by using 33 measures, including student-faculty ratio, graduation rate and post-attendance median salary.
On a scale of 100 points, the following categories were reviewed: student selectivity (25 points), cost and financing (20 points), faculty resources (10 points), campus safety (5 points), campus experience (5 points), educational outcomes (20 points) and career outcomes (15 points).
USF’s overall score was 62.36 points. When ranked by region, USF placed No. 25 in the South. Both public and private, four-year or above institutions were taken into consideration.
More Stories
USF’s presidential search slowed in spring, now resumes with new firm
The USF presidential search committee announced this month its plans to move forward with a new search firm in its pursuit of a new university president. In May, USF spokesperson Althea Johnson told The Oracle that USF would move forward with its presidential search after its initial search firm — SP&A Executive Search — finished […]
USF rocket team takes flight in NASA competition despite challenges
In a field in Alabama, USF Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry members waited for Prometheus — the rocket they’d spent nine months crafting — to take flight. USF’s SOAR was among the 53 teams that launched their rockets for the NASA Student Launch in Huntsville on May 4. The USF team placed 18th after launching […]
USF international students navigate travel under new visa limitations
With a ban restricting visa issuance and entry into the U.S. in effect, USF student Arshia Esmaeilian said he is afraid his parents might not be able to see him graduate next year unless the ban is lifted. “I didn’t really ask for this,” said Esmaeilian, a senior chemistry major. “It’s just something I have […]
USF’s Marshall Student Center to reduce hours amid budget constraints
USF’s Marshall Student Center will operate under reduced hours starting in the upcoming fall semester. New operating hours will go into effect starting on Aug. 17 as listed below: Monday–Thursday: Changing from 7 a.m.–midnight to 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday: Changing from 7 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 a.m.–midnight Saturday: Changing from 8 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 […]
USF, Crisis Center step up hurricane prep as anxiety lingers from last season
With the arrival of hurricane season in Tampa, USF students – particularly those new to South Florida – may be experiencing increased stress or anxiety after the 2024 season. Running from June 1 to Nov. 30, hurricane season marks the period when tropical storms form and intensify in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National […]
Hillsborough County to explore building sports complex at MOSI site
Another development project could soon be in the works at a rapidly changing area in Tampa. Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 7 to prioritize building an indoor sports complex at the Museum of Science and Industry site on Fowler Avenue. Though still in its early stages, the MOSI CEO and Temple Terrace mayor […]