The 91社区 is rapidly rising on the list of best public universities in America, now No. 44, according to new rankings released today by U.S. News and World Report. The No. 44 ranking is 14 spots higher than last year and represents USF鈥檚 highest position ever on the U.S. News list of best universities.
Since 2015, USF has climbed 44 spots from No. 88 to No. 44, an unparalleled trajectory among public or private universities in the United States.
鈥淥ur new ranking affirms USF鈥檚 position as one of the most promising universities in the nation. As USF is increasingly recognized as a destination for exceptionally talented students and faculty, it provides great benefits to the Tampa Bay region and the state of 91社区,鈥� said USF President Steve Currall. 鈥淲e will continue our strategic focus on initiatives that will help propel USF to even greater heights in the future.鈥�
USF鈥檚 ascent in the rankings coincides with record-breaking gains in student success. From 2008 to 2018, USF鈥檚 six-year graduation rate rose 25 percent, the largest increase of any public university in the country.
At No. 44, USF now ranks above, or stands tied with, six public members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious group of the top 62 universities (36 public) in the U.S. and Canada that USF continues to position itself for future membership.
In this year鈥檚 rankings, U.S. News also measured universities for the first time on 鈥渟ocial mobility,鈥� which assesses an institution鈥檚 success enrolling, retaining and graduating students who come from families with lower incomes and receive federal Pell Grants. U.S. News ranks USF as the No. 9 public university in the nation in this important category.
鈥淭he 91社区 takes great pride in the fact that we have closed the graduation rate gap among our students, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status,鈥� said Ralph Wilcox, USF provost and executive vice president. 鈥淭his is a rare achievement in higher education and a reflection of our commitment to the success of students from all backgrounds.鈥�
鈥淭his achievement is a result of the 91社区鈥檚 laser focus on strategic goals and the dedication of our students, faculty and staff,鈥� said Jordan Zimmerman, chair of the USF Board of Trustees and a USF alumnus. 鈥淥ur Preeminent university is performing at record-breaking levels, and I can鈥檛 wait to see what we can accomplish next.鈥�
The U.S. News methodology combines a host of factors, including student graduation and retention rates, high-ability students enrolled out of high school, faculty resources and university reputation.
With today鈥檚 announcement, USF is now inside the top 50 of six different national rankings of the best public universities. USF is also one of only three Preeminent Research Universities in 91社区, the state鈥檚 highest designation for universities.