University of South Florida Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~43%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1260–1410
- Average GPA (HS): 4.23 (weighted)
Source: USF Admissions (latest class profile) and official releases. Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of South Florida at a Glance
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/academic-requirements.aspx
https://www.usf.edu/news/2024/usf-receives-record-number-of-applications-welcomes-high-achieving-class-of-incoming-students.aspx
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/dates-deadlines.aspx
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admissions-scholarships/nonflorida.aspx
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admissions-scholarships/
https://www.usf.edu/honors/prospective-students/index.aspx
https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/what-does-superscoring-mean-in-college-admissions
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-south-florida
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-south-florida/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?137351-University-of-South-Florida=
https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/next-steps/grandparent-waiver.aspx
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of South Florida
Below is the 2025–2026 estimated Cost of Attendance for full-time, first-year undergraduates living on campus at the Tampa campus. Amounts reflect direct costs billed by USF (tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan) and are based on a standard two-semester academic year.
| Category (2025–26) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $6,410 | $18,416 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $14,824 | $14,824 |
| Total Direct Costs | $21,234 | $33,240 |
Note: Other estimated indirect expenses not billed by the university include: books & supplies ($1,200), transportation ($3,200), personal costs ($2,600), and average loan fees ($40). These vary widely by student and are excluded here to focus on what families pay directly to USF.
Average Federal Net Price: $11,578 — what first-time, full-time undergraduates actually paid on average after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the latest federal data.
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.