University of South Florida Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~43%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1306
- Average GPA: 4.25
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of South Florida at a Glance
USF is one of those rare schools where the money actually lines up with reality—especially if your student is a strong but not Ivy-level applicant. Unlike flagship schools that make you compete for every dollar, USF puts a decent amount of automatic and near-automatic money on the table, especially for out-of-state students through tuition waivers. It’s not flashy, but it’s predictable—and that’s a big win for families trying to plan costs early.
This is a great fit for students in that “strong but not elite” range (think solid GPA, mid-to-high test scores) who want a large university experience without taking on flagship-level debt. If your student is organized and applies early, USF becomes a very real financial safety—with upside. Use this page to map out how to lock in automatic aid first, then decide if it’s worth chasing the competitive extras.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of South Florida is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1306.
Average net price? About $11,578/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
USF Admissions Nonresident Scholarships: https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/non-florida-residents
USF Admissions Freshman Scholarships: https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/florida-residents
USF National Merit Scholar Benefits: https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/national-merit-scholar-benefits
USF Student Government Awards: https://giving.usf.edu/student-government-green-gold-scholarships
Fastweb—USF Talent Award: https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/64227-usf-national-green-and-gold-talent-scholarship
USF Honors Holcombe Scholars: https://usf.edu/honors/students/holcombe.aspx
USF Jenkins Scholars Program: https://www.usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/jenkins-scholars-program.aspx
USF Office of Financial Aid - Scholarships: https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
USF Honors Scholarships: https://www.usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/scholarships.aspx
USF Latino Scholarship Program: https://giving.usf.edu/how/giving-week-2025/lift-we-climb-support-latino-scholars
USF College of Public Health: https://health.usf.edu/publichealth/overview/scholarships
USF Admissions Transfer Scholarships: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/cost-of-attendance/transfer-scholarships.aspx
USF Honors Hosted Scholarships: https://usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/hosted-scholarships.aspx
USF Wilcox Honors Program: https://www.usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/wilcox-scholars-program.aspx
USF Alumni Association Scholarships: https://usfalumni.org/get-involved/students/scholarships
USF Black Leadership Network: https://giving.usf.edu/BLN
USF World - Education Abroad Scholarships: https://www.usf.edu/world/education-abroad/funding-payments-registration/scholarships/usf-administered-scholarships.aspx
USF Honors College - Genspiration Global Explorers: https://www.usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/genspiration-global-explorers-scholarship.aspx
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of South Florida 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $6,410 | $18,416 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,824 | $14,824 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $21,234 | $33,240 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,578 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Savings at USF: While Florida doesn’t participate in WUE or MSEP, USF offers major tuition-reduction opportunities for nonresidents:
- Green & Gold Waivers (Nonresident): Presidential ($11,000/yr), Directors ($9,000/yr), or Scholars ($5,000/yr) — applied directly to the out-of-state tuition portion.
- Grandparent Waiver: Out-of-state students with a Florida-resident grandparent may qualify for in-state tuition (limited availability).
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), eligible students from partner states can pay in-state rates if their chosen major isn’t offered at home.
Out-of-State Waiver FAQ
Who qualifies? Students from outside Florida who meet GPA/test score thresholds for the Green & Gold program, have a Florida-resident grandparent, or qualify through the Academic Common Market.
How much can we save? Green & Gold waivers can reduce nonresident tuition by up to $11,000 per year; ACM participation eliminates the full nonresident surcharge (~$12,000 per year).
Is it automatic? Yes for Green & Gold merit tiers (awarded with admission). The Grandparent and ACM waivers require separate applications through USF and your home state’s higher-education office.
https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/2526-coa.aspx
https://tup-ofa.forest.usf.edu/finaid/coa/2526_on_campus
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admissions-scholarships/nonflorida.aspx
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/next-steps/grandparent-waiver.aspx
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-south-florida/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (GPA/Test) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USF Presidential Award (FL Residents) | $4,000/yr (up to $16,000 total) | ~4.1+ weighted GPA* and ~1370+ SAT / 31+ ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes (maintain 3.0 GPA & 30 credits/year) | Top slice of admitted Florida students with strong rigor and scores | Jan 15 (application complete) |
| USF Directors Award (FL Residents) | $3,500/yr (up to $14,000 total) | ~4.0+ weighted GPA* and ~1300–1360 SAT / 29–30 ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes | High-achieving admits just below the very top tier | Jan 15 |
| USF Scholars Gold Award (FL Residents) | $2,000/yr (up to $8,000 total) | ~3.8–4.0 weighted GPA* and ~1230–1290 SAT / 26–28 ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes | Solid academic profile with competitive scores and coursework | Jan 15 |
| Green & Gold Presidential Waiver (Nonresident) | Up to $11,000/yr off OOS tuition (≈$44,000 max) | ~4.1+ weighted GPA* and ~1370+ SAT / 31+ ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes | Top nonresident admits; reduces the OOS surcharge substantially | Jan 15 |
| Green & Gold Directors Waiver (Nonresident) | Up to $9,000/yr off OOS tuition (≈$36,000 max) | ~4.0+ weighted GPA* and ~1300–1360 SAT / 29–30 ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes | Strong nonresident admits; brings costs close to in-state | Jan 15 |
| Green & Gold Scholars Waiver (Nonresident) | Up to $5,000/yr off OOS tuition (≈$20,000 max) | ~3.8–4.0 weighted GPA* and ~1230–1290 SAT / 26–28 ACT* | No — automatic with admission by deadline | Yes | Competitive nonresident admits; partial OOS tuition relief | Jan 15 |
| USF Benacquisto National Merit Award | Full cost of attendance* | National Merit Scholar Finalist, selects USF as first choice with NMSC | No — awarded automatically by designation | Yes (remain a FT student, maintain 3.0 USF GPA) | Florida NP semifinalists who select USF and meet all state requirements | NMSC designation deadlines |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and USF’s posted admitted-student profiles; actual thresholds and scholarship amounts can change by year.
Automatic Merit FAQ (USF)
Do I need to apply separately? No. All scholarships listed above require no extra forms—just complete your admissions application and submit all required materials by Jan 15.
Does USF superscore? Yes. USF considers your best SAT/ACT section scores from multiple test dates.
Can these stack with Florida Bright Futures? Yes. State Bright Futures aid stacks with admission scholarships, but Green & Gold nonresident waivers generally cannot stack with other OOS waivers or separate tuition awards.
What are the renewal requirements? Most awards require that you maintain a minimum 3.0 USF GPA and earn 30 credits per academic year.
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/florida-residents
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/non-florida-residents
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/national-merit-scholar-benefits
https://usf.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
https://usf.edu/admissions/next-steps/scholarships
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarship-requirements-timeline
https://usf.edu/admissions/scholarship-faq
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These aren’t automatic — they ask for extra achievements, applications, portfolios, or specific status. USF’s biggest “guarantee-style” program is for National Merit Finalists. Most competitive awards prioritize early applicants, so aim for the Jan 15 admissions deadline (and earlier if a portfolio/audition is required).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist – USF Package | Full Cost of Attendance (tuition/fees, housing & meals, books, and more) | Designated National Merit Finalist; list USF as first choice with NMSC and complete all USF and NMSC steps | Yes — per NMSC/USF steps | Typically 4 years | True high-flyers with confirmed NMF status; automatic Honors admission; small, highly selective cohort | Jan 15 (final USF deadline, NMSC timelines apply) |
| Green & Gold Talent Award (Nonresident) | Nonresident tuition waiver; value varies, often thousands per year | Special talent (arts, performance, debate, robotics, etc.); nonresident students only | Yes — audition/portfolio and program review | Usually | Nonresident students selected by faculty auditions/portfolios; limited number annually | Jan 15 (admissions); audition/portfolio dates by department |
| USF Alumni Association Scholarships (multiple) | ~$500–$3,000/yr, varies by fund | Leadership, first-gen, major/college, or service focus; admitted student | Yes — per fund (applications/essays usually required) | Often | Active, service-oriented students who apply early and fit a donor’s niche | Deadlines vary by fund, most close Jan–Mar |
| Green & Gold Student Govt. Award | $500–$1,000 | Leadership, campus engagement; all majors eligible | Yes — Student Government application | No | Undergrads nominated/self-nominated for impactful involvement | Varies (most annual, late spring) |
| Transfer Scholarships | $4,000–$5,000 (varies by program) | Top FCS or Phi Theta Kappa transfers; minimum 3.8 GPA | Yes — scholarship application/essay required | No | Admits with top transfer credentials and chapter recommendation | March 1 (priority deadline) |
*If a scholarship mentions a “talent-based waiver,” that reduces the nonresident tuition portion and generally can’t be combined with other nonresident waivers (e.g., Grandparent Waiver).
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
How many full-ride awards exist? The National Merit package is the flagship full-COA route; numbers and funding vary by year.
Are portfolios/auditions only for arts majors? Not always — some ensembles and talent awards consider non-majors who contribute at a high level.
Deadlines? Aim for Jan 15 for most awards; department/donor funds have varying cycles, with many closing Jan–March.
Stacking? You can stack most USF scholarships with Florida Bright Futures and Pell/State grants. Nonresident waivers usually do not stack with other nonresident waivers.
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/scholarships/national-merit-scholar-benefits
https://admissions.usf.edu/college-application-tips-for-national-merit-scholars
https://admissions.usf.edu/next-steps-for-national-merit-semifinalists
https://giving.usf.edu/student-government-green-gold-scholarships
https://giving.usf.edu/scholarships-alumni-association
https://usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/transfer-scholarships
🎖️ Judy Genshaft Honors College
USF’s Honors is application-based (not automatic). Most students apply soon after they apply to USF; seats are limited and selection is holistic. Expect small seminars, priority registration, research support, global learning, and a dedicated Honors building in the heart of campus.
GPA (weighted core) 4.10–4.58 • SAT 1300–1460 • ACT 28–33 • CLT 92–105 • Strong AP/IB/AICE rigor and leadership/service.
Perks & Selectivity
- Priority registration, dedicated advising, and smaller class sizes
- Undergraduate research funding and faculty-mentored projects
- Signature study-away/study-abroad opportunities and global seminars
- Honors Living-Learning communities and a purpose-built Honors building
Honors-Linked Scholarships
| Scholarship (Honors) | Award Amount | Eligibility & Notes | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genspiration Global Explorers (Honors) | $10,000 (study away/abroad, competitive) | First-year Honors admits, 4.0+ USF GPA, 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT; application & essay | Yes — rounds via Honors | No | FTIC high-achievers; only a handful per year | Early action: Nov 1; Standard: Jan 1; Final: Mar 1 |
| Jenkins Family Scholarship (Hosted in Honors) | Full Cost of Attendance (multi-year) | High-achieving first-gens demonstrating adversity and high financial need; invitation only | Yes — Jenkins process | Yes (as long as eligibility met) | Select group of exceptional first-gen students | By USF invitation (spring) |
| Wilcox Scholars Program (Honors) | $2,000 (internship/service/project) | Honors College students, application, faculty reference | Yes (WSP app/video) | No | Active Honors students; public affairs or service focus | Rolling (year-round WSP cohort) |
| Judy Genshaft Honors Progression Scholarships | $600–$2,000 (nonrenewable, milestone-based) | Complete Honors requirements: Experiential Learning (2 x $600), Honors Academic requirement ($800) | Automatic as you meet milestones | No | All Honors students in good standing (3.25+ GPA) | Fall/Spring each academic year |
| Holcombe First-Generation Scholarship (Honors-hosted) | $1,000–$5,000/yr (multi-year possible) | First-generation USF students, Pell-eligible, full-time, 3.0+ GPA | Yes (separate app/interview) | Yes (if eligibility met) | First-gen, Pell, engaged in Honors | AwardSpring (Feb–Mar) |
| Ableidinger Scholarship (Honors) | $1,500–$2,500 | High-engagement Honors students meeting donor intent | Yes — Honors-only round | Sometimes | Strong contributors with clear goals | AwardSpring cycle |
Is Honors invitation automatic? No — you apply separately to Honors after applying to USF; selection is holistic with limited seats.
How do Honors scholarships relate to admission awards? They can add on to general USF merit; specifics vary by fund. Always check stacking rules.
Do I need test scores? USF uses SAT/ACT for university admission; Honors reviews your whole record, including rigor and activities.
Best timing? Apply early fall, keep an eye on Honors priority dates, and submit strong materials (resume, essays, optional recs if allowed).
https://www.usf.edu/honors/students/scholarships.aspx
https://usf.edu/honors/students/genps.aspx
https://catalog.usf.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=19&poid=8930
https://usf.edu/honors/sscholars/holcombe.aspx
https://usf.edu/honors/students/jenkins.aspx
https://usf.edu/honors/wilcox.aspx
https://usf.edu/honors/scholarships/genps-genspiration-global-explorers.aspx
⭐ College Specialty
At the University of South Florida, academics aren’t just broad — they’re nationally recognized. As a public R1 research university, USF has carved out a reputation for health, science, and technology that translates directly into career pipelines in Tampa and beyond. Parents can feel confident that their student isn’t just earning credits — they’re learning in fields where USF is known across the country.
- Marine Science: The College of Marine Science is nationally ranked and one of the largest marine science graduate programs on the Gulf Coast, known for coastal resilience and oceanographic research.
- Nursing: USF’s College of Nursing is consistently ranked among the Top 50 nursing schools nationally and a leader in clinical placements across Tampa Bay.
- Engineering: The College of Engineering is a Top 100 public engineering school, with standout programs in industrial, civil, and biomedical engineering.
- Cybersecurity & Analytics: Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA and DHS, USF is a statewide hub for cybersecurity education and research.