The University of South Florida (USF) is one of the top public research universities in the nation. It sits on nearly 10 million square feet of land, managing its educational programs in 253 buildings. In 2010, the USF system awarded nearly 11,000 degrees, specifically 7,863 bachelor degrees, 2,526 master degrees, 243 research doctoral degrees, 156 professional doctoral degrees and 17 education specialist degrees.
USF programs have been attracting students from within and outside the state, increasing the number of students, professors and personnel who need housing in the Tampa area. The USF has adequate housing for both students and staff, but there are those who prefer living outside school grounds, giving a big boost to the demand for Tampa homes for sale.
The most popular USF programs for undergraduates are the following, based on data as of the fall of 2010:
| Arts and Sciences | 12,678 students |
| Business | 4,991 students |
| Engineering | 2,962 students |
| Education | 2,061 students |
| Behavioral and Community Sciences | 1,900 students |
| Nursing | 1,321 students |
| The Arts | 1,270 students |
One of the Arts and Sciences programs, namely Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, has been among the fastest growing health programs in the past ten years. USF has been having an almost 100 percent success in Med Tech licensure exams and in job placements. Fourth year Medical Technology students work in affiliated hospitals such as H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital and All Children’s Hospital.
For graduate students, these are the most popular USF programs:
| Arts and Sciences | 1,841 students |
| Education | 1,720 students |
| Medicine | 950 students |
| Engineering | 812 students |
USF is also a top choice among international students. A total of 1,419 foreign students, or four percent of USF’s current total population are citizens of other nations. A total of 51 countries are represented.
| International students: | |
| Undergraduate | 404 students |
| Graduate | 824 students |
| Non-Degree | 191 students |
For the school year 2010-2011, a total of 5,082 freshmen students enrolled, 240 students of which are out-of-state residents, representing 39 states. The majority of students – a total of 3,135 – are Florida residents.
All in all, the USF System is composed of the USF main campus in Tampa, USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF Polytechnic. The total population of USF, based on enrollment data as of Fall 2010 is 47,576. This total includes undergraduate students, graduate students, non-degree seeking students and doctors of medicine.
| USF Tampa | 40,429 students |
| USF St. Petersburg | 3,973 students |
| USF Sarasota-Manatee | 1,906 students |
| USF Polytechnic | 1,268 students |
For Florida residents, USF tuition and fees are lower. For undergraduate students, the cost per credit hour is $151.24 for residents while it’s $511.55 for non-Florida residents.
Parents of USF students can explore investing in Tampa homes for sale, whether as housing for their children, rentals, or vacation homes. Contact today your friendly Tampa4U.com real estate professional.