The University of Tampa (UT) is a mid-sized private university located along the riverfront in Tampa, Florida. The student body is composed of approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with around 50% hailing from Florida. The other 50% are from all 50 states and over 130 countries. In fact, the student body includes about 1,200 international students. 98% of UT undergraduate students are full-time. Are you interested in applying to the University of Tampa? In this article, we will discuss the University of Tampa acceptance rate, ranking, notable alumni, majors, and tuition costs. First, though, let’s dive into a general overview.
University of Tampa Overview
The University of Tampa is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which accredits educational institutions in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
UT offers over 200 academic programs of study, including 19 master’s degree programs and two doctorate programs, and is organized into four colleges:
- College of Arts and Letters, with undergraduate programs in Art and Design; Communication; English and Writing; Film, Animation, and New Media; Languages and Linguistics; Music; Philosophy and Religion; and Theatre and Dance
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, with undergraduate programs in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences and Human Performance, Nursing, Physics and Astronomy, and Sport Management
- College of Social Science, Mathematics, and Education, with undergraduate programs in Computer Science; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Education; History, Sociology, Geography, and Legal Studies; Mathematics; Political Science and International Studies; and Psychology
- Sykes College of Business, with undergraduate programs in Accounting, Business Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Enterprise Systems, International Business, Leadership Studies, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing
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The most popular undergraduate majors include:
- Finance
- Marketing
- International Business
- Biology/Environmental Science
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
The average class size at the University of Tampa is 21, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 1:17. UT offers an Honors Program, leadership programs, and opportunities for experiential learning. Internship and study abroad opportunities are also prioritized. The University of Tampa mission statement reads, in part:
UT is committed to the development of each student to become a productive and responsible citizen. The University conducts classes in personalized settings in which learning is enhanced through application by balancing “learning by thinking” with “learning by doing.” Students are taught by highly qualified faculty members dedicated to teaching, scholarship, advising and continued intellectual growth. Students participate in learning partnerships with faculty and the community through clinical and consulting assignments, internships and research experiences. Academic services and co-curricular activities support individual well-being and development, and provide leadership opportunities. UT strives to provide a rich and inclusive learning environment for all students to prepare them for careers and lifelong learning.
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In terms of extracurricular opportunities, students can choose between over 315 different organizations, clubs, and teams, including 27 sororities and fraternities. UT also has 8 campus publications and a student-run television station, newspaper, and radio station.
The UT Spartans sports teams compete in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference. UT has won 22 NCAA Division II championships in baseball, lacrosse, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and women’s beach volleyball.
Where is the University of Tampa?
The University of Tampa campus has a storied history. In 1931, the private Tampa Junior College was founded as one of the first higher education institutions in the Tampa Bay area. Fun fact: enrollment in 1931 was a whopping 67 students!
In 1933, the institution moved to its current location on the grounds of the recently closed Tampa Bay Hotel, built by railroad and shipping magnate Henry B. Plant in 1981 directly across the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa. Both Plant and the Tampa Bay Hotel are credited with the transformation and popularization of Tampa. The 511-room, 5-story hotel was designed as a grand winter resort, and is architecturally-distinctive—topped by Moorish minarets, domes, and cupolas. Teddy Roosevelt, the Queen of England, and Babe Ruth all stayed at the hotel throughout its history.
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Upon its move, Tampa Junior College expanded its offerings and became the University of Tampa. Today, the former Tampa Bay Hotel is known as Plant Hall and is a National Historic Landmark. Plant Hall serves as the foundation of the 110-acre, 71-building University of Tampa campus, and also houses the Henry B. Plant Museum. The campus also includes modern additions and facilities, including the Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building and the Ferman Center for the Arts, which opened in 2021.
The renowned, 3,000-square-foot University of Tampa waterfront Marine Science Field Station is located at Bayside Marina, about 20 minutes from campus. The facility includes a wet laboratory as well as a dry lab/classroom, a scuba storage area, lockers, showers, and boat slip. The wet lab boasts a recirculating/flow-through seawater system.
About half of the UT student body lives on campus, including most first-year students, who receive priority. The campus includes 12 residence halls.
2.7 million people live in the Tampa Bay area, making it West Central Florida’s center of government, commerce, communications, business, health care, sports, and entertainment. Tampa residents enjoy a high quality of life, helped in part by the beautiful beaches and warm, sunny weather. Recreational opportunities abound, and UT offers a variety of off-campus, guided activities throughout the year.
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The University of Tampa campus is close to the Tampa Museum of Art, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium, among numerous other attractions. For football fans, Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Raymond James Stadium.
Besides the University of Tampa, Tampa is also home to three other institutions of higher education—Eckerd College, Saint Leo University, and the University of South Florida—making Tampa a bona fide college town.
University of Tampa Acceptance Rate
The University of Tampa is very selective, with an acceptance rate of around 26%. Enrollment has been increasing every year since 1995, but applications are increasing as well. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the University of Tampa received a record 35,351 applications for the entering first-year class of 2,898 undergraduates.
The average SAT score is 1,200 (though the University of Tampa is a test-optional school, and only about 20% of applicants submit scores). The average high school GPA is 3.6 (on a 4.0) unweighted scale.
The University of Tampa tends to attract more women than men, with a student body percentage of 59% women and 41% men.
University of Tampa Ranking
U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Tampa #16 in Regional Universities South.
University of Tampa Tuition
In 2024-2025, the estimated undergraduate tuition is $32,096/year plus $2,312 in mandatory fees. On-campus living expenses (housing and food) are $14,612/year. Hence:
- Estimated Direct Costs for On-Campus Undergraduates: $49,020
- Estimated Direct Costs for Off-Campus Undergraduates: $34,408
In addition, UT recommends budgeting for “indirect costs” including personal expenses, transportation, and books.
- Estimated Indirect Costs for On-Campus Undergraduates: $9,130
- Estimated Indirect Costs for Off-Campus Students (including living expenses): $23,630.
Therefore, the total COA (Cost of Attendance) for the 2024-2025 school year is estimated to fall between $58,038-$58,150.
At the University of Tampa, approximately 92% of students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Florida residents can take advantage of Florida-specific aid programs, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Veterans also have numerous aid options, and UT covers up to 100% of the tuition and fees of veterans eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Work-study opportunities are plentiful, and about 1,700 students are employed on campus.
University of Tampa Academic Calendar
At the University of Tampa, the academic year runs on a semester schedule. The Fall Semester begins in late August (although registration begins in early August), and concludes mid-December. The Spring Semester begins in mid-January, and concludes in early-May. UT also offers a “Winter Intercession” from early to mid-January, a “May Term” from early to mid-May, and various Summer School options.
University of Tampa Notable Alumni
Notable alumni include:
- Jane Castor ’81, 59th Mayor of Tampa and 31-year Veteran of the Tampa Police Department
- Nneka Jones ’20, Artist and Activist
- Connie May Fowler ’82, Novelist, Memoirist, and Screenwriter
- Tino Martinez ’11, Major League Baseball Player
- Brad Schiff ’93, Animation Supervisor at LAIKA
How to Apply to the University of Tampa
To apply to the University of Tampa, students can use the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or UT’s online Application. Admission is contingent on graduation from high school or acceptable scores on the GED. Decisions are made following three deadlines:
- November 1—Early Decision Deadline
- November 15—Early Action Deadline
- March 1—Regular Decision Deadline
From March 2 on, applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
In addition, some majors require separate departmental applications and/or requirements:
- Education (separate application after completion of first 30 credit hours)
- Nursing (separate application after completion of all pre-nursing prerequisites)
- Music (audition required)
- Musical Theatre (audition required)
- Theatre (audition required)
- Dance (audition required)
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UT aims to review student applications holistically, meaning that while academic accomplishments are the dominating factor when evaluating students and making admissions decisions, the Admissions Review Committee is also interested in student character, leadership, and community service.
The University of Tampa is also a test-optional school, meaning they do not require submission of SAT or ACT test scores for admission (although applicants may choose to submit test scores).
UT awards course credit for acceptable scores on AP tests, CLEP examinations, and IB course exams.
Potential applicants are encouraged to schedule a campus visit and/or request an information packet. Virtual tours are also available.
Prospective students interested in the University of Tampa might also consider other colleges in Florida, including the University of Florida or Florida State University.
