TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2017) – The University of South Florida today announced its 2017-18 freshman class will break records as the strongest academic and most diverse group of incoming students in school history. USF System’s total enrollment now exceeds 50,000 students for the first time, with 50,577 students currently enrolled across the three separately accredited institutions: USF Tampa, USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee.
Serving 43,542 undergraduate and graduate students USF Tampa has seen a rise in the average high school GPA of the 2017-18 first time in college (FTIC) class, from 4.08 to 4.12 this year. The GPA of incoming freshmen is one element used by the State of Florida to determine “Preeminent” research universities. USF exceeds the current benchmark.
This year’s class also features more students who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class, including 50 percent for USF Tampa, which is classified among the nation’s Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
“Careful enrollment planning and management has been the foundation for our student success initiatives,” said Paul Dosal, USF vice president for student affairs & student success. “As an institution, we value diversity and promote a teaching and learning environment that reflects the state, national, and global markets in which our students will one day compete.”
Currently home to students from all 67 Florida counties, all 50 states and more than 145 countries, the USF System continues to admit a very diverse student body. Enrollment of new black (+12.5 percent), Hispanic (+6.2 percent), Asian (+1 percent) and multiracial (+3 percent) students increased compared to the 2016 incoming class. International student enrollment is also up 8 percent over the prior year. All data was verified following the deadline for the students to drop or add classes for the fall semester.
“We are proud to be considered a top choice among diverse and academically talented students from across the nation and around the world,” said Ralph Wilcox, provost and executive vice president for the USF System.
In June 2016, USF Tampa was recognized by the Florida Board of Governors as the state’s first “Emerging Preeminent” institution. The strong academic profile of the incoming freshman class continues to position USF Tampa for earning the full “Preeminent” designation.
About the University of South Florida System
The University of South Florida System is a high-impact, global research system dedicated to student success. The USF System includes three institutions: USF Tampa; USF St. Petersburg; and USF Sarasota-Manatee. The institutions are separately accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All institutions have distinct missions and their own detailed strategic plans. Serving over 50,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget of $1.6 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.