Choosing a college is a daunting decision, is UT right for you?
Choosing a university can be one of the toughest decisions you’ll face in your young adult years— but no pressure, right? Now if the University of Tampa made it onto your list of schools to apply to, it is no surprise why when considering all the university has to offer. With an acceptance rate of 41% and an average high school GPA of 3.5, UTampa stands out. Ranked #14 out of 135 Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report and named one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education by The Princeton Review, UTampa holds an accreditation that only 15% of four-year colleges in the U.S. can claim.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, right on the riverfront, UTampa’s stunning campus offers the perfect mix of vibrant city life with a surprisingly private atmosphere. Beyond dining and nightlife, students also have easy access to a wealth of internships and job opportunities in the city. And if staying on campus is more your style, you’ll find over 200 clubs and organizations—from honor societies and Greek life to community service groups. One standout is Live Well, a student-led organization focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering the community to make positive changes through a holistic approach. No matter what your interests are—sports, leadership, or outdoor recreation—UTampa’s student life offers something for everyone, ensuring you’ll find your place.
Academically, UTampa has you covered with over 200 degree programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. With 11,429 students enrolled for the 2024-2025 academic year, it’s a smaller community compared to bigger universities. That smaller size is a big win, aligning with the university’s mission to emphasize personalized education and foster a supportive learning environment. At UTampa, you'll find a hands-on experience within its tight-knit community. The university even developed the UTampa Cares initiative, focusing on emotional well-being to help students build resilience and feel a real sense of belonging. Plus, with modern facilities like state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and recreational centers, UTampa provides a top-tier campus experience, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability with green initiatives across campus.
Now, the daunting question on everyone’s mind: how much will all of this cost? While private universities can be pricey, UTampa offers financial aid services, grants, and a range of scholarships—academic and athletic—making it more affordable than many realize. In fact, 92% of students at UTampa receive some form of financial aid or scholarship, bringing total costs 15%-30% below the national average. So, with all this in mind, it’s time to plan your visit to UTampa and see if it’s the right fit for you to become a future Spartan.
Although standard decision deadlines have closed, applications completed after February 1st are still being evaluated on a rolling basis & more information on admissions can be found at ut.edu/admissions.
Resources
- U.S News & World Report. (2025, February 2). University of Tampa Rankings. https://www.csgtalent.com/insights/blog/tampa-s-thriving-job-market--top-reasons-to-develop-an-executive-career-in-tampa/
- U.S News & World Report. (2025, February 2). University of Tampa Admissions. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-tampa-1538/applying
- The University of Tampa. (2024, August 22). UTampa Named One of the Best Colleges by the Princeton Review. https://www.ut.edu/news-and-ut-life/2024/utampa-named-one-of-the-best-colleges-by-the-princeton-review