By Adam Freeman, University Communications and Marketing

As the University of South Florida's campuses come to life this week with the start of fall semester classes, key indicators continue to point to USF being a prime destination for pursuing a college degree.

This year, USF received a record number of applications from first time in college (FTIC) students. For fall/summer 2024, more than 68,000 students applied to USF, an increase of approximately 5% from last year and over 35% from just three years ago.

The strong demand to attend USF has helped result in a large, high-achieving class of FTIC students joining the university community this fall/summer. USF is welcoming approximately 6,700 students across all three campuses, a 14% increase from last year. The new class enters USF with an impressive academic profile, including an average high school GPA of 4.23, ACT score of 28.2 and SAT score of 1306. The students come from across the state of Florida, all 50 states and 73 countries. The group includes approximately 750 students who will join the Judy Genshaft Honors College and 54 National Merit Scholars.

"With our position as a top-50 ranked public university and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, students and families see the value of earning a degree from the University of South Florida," USF President Rhea Law said. "We look forward to all that our newest class of students will achieve and experience at USF as we prepare them for successful careers."

USF's success this admissions cycle comes as the university appointed a new leadership team that led the admissions office in developing and implementing a new recruitment plan.

This has resulted in several impactful changes to attract new students, including a new virtual summer session for out-of-state students, more residence hall beds reserved for new students, an increase in merit-based scholarship funds, additional marketing and outreach activities and a reimagined campus visit experience.

In addition, this year USF overcame significant challenges created by the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. FAFSA delays made it difficult for institutions across the nation to provide students with their true cost of attendance, causing heightened anxiety and frustration among students and their families.

Recognizing the unique situation, USF became one of the first state universities in Florida to adjust its admissions deposit deadline and increased proactive communication with students and families to guide them through a constantly changing process.

"Our strong incoming class shows that the University of South Florida remains a university of choice for high-achieving students across our state, the nation and beyond," USF Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra said. "With three vibrant campuses in the Tampa Bay region, USF offers a unique academic journey tailored to help each student find their perfect fit and achieve their highest potential."

One of the members of the incoming class of students, Addison Morris, just moved into The Village residential community on the Tampa campus and is ready to launch her pre-health track, majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in philosophy. The Dunedin native says she's excited to join the Athletes in Medicine group that offers guidance tailored to her interest in medicine and track and field. Following medical school, Morris hopes to pursue a pediatric residency that specializes in neonatal care.

"I am so honored to be joining the Bulls community and I am excited to experience everything USF has to offer," she said. "One of the biggest things that drew me to apply and enroll at USF was its emphasis on research and connection to teaching hospitals. With my passion for hands-on learning and future preparation, the University of South Florida proved to be the perfect place."

Caleb Lake joins USF St. Petersburg following his graduation from Tampa Catholic. His mother is a USF alum and he hopes to earn his degree in computer science and become a software engineer. He says he looks forward to getting involved on campus as he becomes more familiar with college life.

"I am excited and honored to be joining the USF community. I chose to apply and enroll because of the culture and my family history here," Lake said. "I believe that the University of South Florida truly is the perfect fit for me."

After graduating from Pine View School in Osprey with a 4.7 GPA, Daniel Hartley looks forward to being on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus with its smaller, personalized feel. He plans to study ancient history and hopes to eventually conduct historical research.

"I really like the way USF was built and it feels like a great place I can call home where I can get to know people a lot better than I would on a larger campus," he said.

The enrollment data included is as of the first day of classes on Aug. 26. For information on how to apply to USF, visit usf.edu/admissions.