For the eighth consecutive year, U.S. News ranks the University of South Florida among the nation’s top 50 public universities
In the rankings, USF is also among the best for value, innovation and veterans, showing the university’s strengths in
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TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The University of South Florida ranks among the top 50 public universities in America for the eighth consecutive year. Released today, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings place USF at No. 46 among all public universities and at No. 100 among all public or private universities across the country. This also marks the fifth straight year that USF has ranked among the top 100 universities overall. Over the past 15 years, USF has risen 48 spots among public universities from No. 94 to No. 46, and 70 spots among all universities, from No. 170 to No. 100.
“Year after year, the University of South Florida has been recognized for our academic and research strengths as well as the significant and growing impact we have across Florida and beyond,” USF President Moez Limayem said. “But what matters just as much is the value of a USF degree. These rankings reflect our commitment to providing an exceptional education for our students that allows them to succeed.”
In other rankings released today by U.S. News, among public universities USF is No. 19 for social mobility, No. 25 for most innovative, No. 25 for “best value for in-state students,” No. 28 for overall “best value” and No. 46 for best colleges for veterans.
The rankings come as this year USF welcomed the most academically accomplished incoming class of students in its history, with record-high averages for high school GPA and SAT scores, as well as a record number of National Merit Scholars.
“This milestone reflects USF’s rise as one of the nation’s leading public research universities,” said USF Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra. “These honors validate our dedication to student success, groundbreaking research and creating meaningful impact for the communities we serve.”
The publication’s methodology for its best college rankings combines a host of factors that also align with USF’s mission to support student success, including graduation rates, retention rates and wages earned by graduates.
Today’s U.S. News announcement follows several other recent top national rankings that highlight USF’s excellence, including No. 23 among public universities by Niche and Money awarded USF 4.5 out of 5 stars, tying for the highest rating among Florida’s public universities.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2026, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF as a top 50 public university for the eighth consecutive year. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Althea Johnson University of South Florida 813-974-1665 altheapaul@usf.edu
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