Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of South Florida (USF) is a large public research university in Tampa that enrolls around 50,000 students. It has a moderate level of selectivity, with an acceptance rate of about 41%. The university's strongest programs are in Public Health, Business, Engineering, and Marine Science. The graduation rate is approximately 74–77%, and the reported early career salary for graduates in the region is about INR 40–45 lakhs per year ($48,000–54,000).
Florida State University (FSU) is a large public research university in Tallahassee that enrolls about 45,000 students. FSU has a slightly more competitive admissions process compared to South Florida, with an approximate acceptance rate of 25%. Flagship degree programs include Political Science, Business, Law, Criminology, and Performing Arts. The graduation rate is higher, approximately 83–86% and the early career salary is typically about INR 44–50 lakhs per year ($53,000–60,000).
| University of South Florida | Florida State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.1 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 621 QS World University 2025 # 89 US News 2024 # 251 Times Higher Education 2024 | # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 # 549 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 85 for Engineering by US News 2024 # 50 for Medicine by US News 2024 # 51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 251 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 38 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -179 PG Programs -84 Doctorate Programs -45 | UG Programs -100 PG Programs -79 |
| Acceptance Rate | 41.0 % | 25.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-500 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1250 TOEFL-79 | Duolingo-120 IELTS-6.5 PTE-55 SAT-1190 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 17324 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15864 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14440 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 29362 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 24420 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 17418 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Average Salaries are lisited below :
| Some of the top employers of the university include: Insight Global, Techtronic Industries(TTi), Deloitte, RSM US LLP, PepsiCo, L3HarrisGallagher, KPMG LLP, EY, ALDI, Inc., Protiviti, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Finance: $133,000 Masters in Science: $100,000 Bachelor of Science: $95,000 Bachelor of Arts: $59,000 Doctorate: $55,000 |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Muma College of Business, University of South Florida | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 9 reviews | 8.6/10 Read 20 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 351 for Business by QS World University 2024 # 102 for Business by US News 2023 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 105 for Business by US News 2025 # 251 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/120GMAT - 500/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 66/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -32000 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Oct 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Feb 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake) Jun 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) | Jan 15, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Jun 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of South Florida | Florida State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1956 | |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 46% Male, 54% Female | 44% Male, 56% Female |
| Location Facts | USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together our campuses comprise more than 1,600 acres and nearly 12 million square feet of building space, with areas boasting coastal, bayfront and riverfront views. | The main campus is located at Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State University Panama City is located 100 miles (160 km) from the main campus. |
| Library | The USF Libraries offer access to over 1.3 million books and an extensive selection of print and electronic resources, including 52,000 e-journal subscriptions, 443,000 e-books, and over 800 databases containing articles, media and other materials. | The Florida State University Libraries provide collections and services to enhance the learning, teaching, research, and service activities of the University. The Libraries’ collections include over 4 million titles and offers access to more than 1,064 databases and 120,000 electronic journals, supplemented by a robust interlibrary loan program, including the statewide UBorrow system which includes over 15 million books from all 40 state university and college libraries. |
| Campus Life | With more than 600 clubs and student organizations, plus 19 varsity sports, an active student government and a thriving arts scene, USF truly has something for everyone. You can plan the Homecoming parade, learn to dance the Tango, cheer on the Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, write for The Oracle, volunteer in the community and so much more! And be sure to visit the 28,000 square foot Recreation & Wellness Center – or its satellite locations – to work out, swim, take a group fitness class or play one of the 50 intramural sports offered on campus. | Florida State University is a traditional residential university wherein most students live on campus in university residence halls or nearby in privately owned residence halls, apartments and residences. Florida State currently has 18 residence halls on campus, housing undergraduate, graduate and international students. Florida State University has more than 700 organizations and clubs for students to join. They range from cultural and athletic to philanthropy.The Bobby E. Leach Student Recreation Center is a 120,000 square foot fitness facility located right in the heart of campus. The Leach Pool is a 16-lane by 25-yard indoor swimming facility with two 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards. A complete spa area is located just off the pool deck and is equipped with two whirlpools, two steam rooms, and a sauna. The leach center provides over 100 free group fitness classes offered weekly along with personal training provided by NSCA-certified personal trainers. A large amount of student life is centered around the FSU Student Union, located on the North side of campus. The FSU campus is served by eight bus routes of the Seminole Express Bus Service. The Seminole Express Bus Service provides transportation to, around, and from campus to the surrounding Tallahassee areas for Faculty, Staff, Students and Visitors. |
| Hostel | #Food - $5600 #Housing - $8840 | #Housing (Living with Parents) - $3944 #Housing (On Campus & Off Campus) - $7890 |
| Famous Alumni | Alumni of the University have access to Global Career Services, Financial and Investment Services, an invitation to networking events and reunions, etc. Some of the University of South Florida's notable alumni are:
| Winston Scott, Former NASA astronaut Norman Thagard, Former NASA astronaut and currently a tenured professor of engineering at Florida State University Lex Hester, Consolidation architect, former chief administrative officer in Orlando, Broward County and Jacksonville Margaret Keyes, American academic and heritage preserver. Sandon Berg, Film producer, actor, and screenwriter; co-founder of the United Gay Network Sara Blakely, President and founder of Spanx; judge on ABC's former reality television series American Inventor |
| City Life | Residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy both a laid-back beach lifestyle and the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including professional sports teams, museums, and an array of entertainment and dining options. Living in the Tampa Bay area is like being on vacation all year. Located north of the bay, Tampa has a hip social scene and a thriving Hispanic community and is notable for Ybor City, once known as "the Cigar Capital of the World." On the opposite side of the bay, the beaches of St. Petersburg offer water sports and activities like parasailing and dolphin-watching cruises, while the city itself has become a major arts destination, home of the renowned Dali Museum. | Located on the edge of the tree-covered Red Hills region near the border of Georgia, Tallahassee enjoys four distinct seasons. The city’s Southern heritage influences its architecture, landscape, attitude and pace of life. Locals are friendly and inviting, uniting every football season to cheer on their hometown heroes, the FSU Seminoles and FAMU Rattlers. With three higher education institutions in town, locals can take advantage of cultural activities, sporting events and nightlife. The two universities’ music schools host student concerts and attract professional performers. Florida State University’s art, dance and writing programs also offer events. Local real estate is more affordable here than in some other Florida cities, despite rising property values and home sale prices. |
| Weather |
University of South Florida vs Florida State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Florida State University (FSU) is generally ranked in the global top 250–300, with strengths in Social Sciences, Business, Law, Fine Arts, and Public Policy. The University of South Florida (USF) ranks slightly higher, around the top 200–250, with recognized strengths in Public Health, Engineering, Business, Nursing, and Marine Science. USF has gained rising research visibility, particularly in health sciences, while FSU has long-standing strength in liberal arts, law.
General Information
Founded in 1956, USF is a relatively young public research university based in Tampa, Florida, with around 50,000 students across multiple campuses. It is known for rapid growth, strong research output, and strong ties to healthcare and technology industries. Florida State University, founded in 1851 in Tallahassee, has about 45,000 students and is among Florida’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, with a traditional campus culture, vibrant student life, and strong academic heritage.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
USF has an acceptance rate of about 41%, moderately selective, particularly competitive in Nursing, Engineering, and Business. FSU has a similar acceptance rate of around 25%, slightly more selective overall, with competitive admissions for Law, Business, and Fine Arts. Both attract large, diverse applicant pools across Florida and internationally, with FSU carrying more prestige in traditional academics and USF in fast-growing STEM and healthcare fields.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both are R1 research universities. USF has strong research in health sciences, engineering, and marine studies, supported by its location near major hospitals and research facilities. FSU is recognized for research in social sciences, education, arts, and natural sciences, with strengths in interdisciplinary studies and public policy. USF is rising quickly in STEM and applied research, while FSU maintains established excellence in arts, social sciences, and law.
Cost & Financial Aid
For international students, tuition is approximately $17,000–18,000 per year at USF and about $21,000–23,000 at FSU. Living costs in Tampa and Tallahassee are moderate compared to U.S. averages, with Tampa slightly higher due to its metropolitan location. Both universities provide scholarships for international students, with USF offering more STEM-focused awards and FSU providing strong support for arts and leadership programs.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
USF graduates often enter healthcare, business, technology, and engineering sectors, benefiting from Tampa’s growing job market and hospital networks. FSU graduates succeed in law, government, arts, business, and public service, supported by strong alumni connections and national reputation. USF is better suited for students seeking healthcare and STEM-driven careers, while FSU provides broader opportunities in law, arts, and public service with strong national visibility.
