
Tampa, FLprivate nonprofitut.edu
Admit rate has ranged 26%–56% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Tampa blends a sun-drenched, urban campus with a reputation for strong business and health programs, though its party-school vibe and middling graduation rates temper its academic profile. With a 40% acceptance rate and test-optional policy, UTampa attracts students drawn to its downtown Tampa location and Greek life, though post-grad earnings lag behind some regional peers.
Test-blind — scores not considered
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
UTampa's admissions process is selective but not elite, with a 40% acceptance rate and middle-50% SAT scores ranging from 1150–1300 (or ACT 25+). The university is test-optional, though it recommends submitting scores if they exceed 1200 SAT/25 ACT. Nonacademic factors like demonstrated interest play a notable role, per hints in its elusive Common Data Set. Critics note a disconnect between its marketed 20s Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and actual 40% figure, alongside a 3.5 average GPA** for admitted students.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
UTampa offers 200+ programs, with business and health professions dominating as the most popular majors. The university touts small class sizes and accessible professors, though local perceptions paint it as a party school with weaker academics than nearby USF. Standout programs include elementary education and pre-professional tracks, but Reddit threads suggest its reputation leans more toward social opportunities than rigorous scholarship.
Life at UTampa revolves around its compact, downtown campus and Greek scene, with students reporting limited school spirit but ample off-campus nightlife. While 81% feel safe on campus, socializing often spills into Tampa’s bars and clubs. The Princeton Review highlights its urban proximity, but Reddit users note the campus itself is quiet, with fraternities and club sports (like hockey) driving much of the social energy.
UTampa’s 62% six-year graduation rate lands it in the top 40% of peer institutions, though male students graduate at a lower 59% rate. Early-career earnings are modest, with a $36,427 median salary one year post-graduation, rising to $48,600 after a decade—trailing some Florida peers. Career services track outcomes via a First Destination Survey, but the data underscores a return-on-investment gap compared to higher-graduation-rate schools.
UTampa heavily promotes its Net Price Calculator to estimate costs, with financial aid packages blending university, federal, and Florida-specific grants. Merit scholarships are available, but the sticker price leans high for the region, and the 62% graduation rate raises questions about value. The aid process emphasizes transparency, though the calculator’s output varies widely based on residency and academic profile.
UTampa’s downtown location and strong business programs draw students seeking a balanced college experience—part academic, part social. Its test-optional policy and 40% acceptance rate make it accessible, but the party-school reputation and middling outcomes give pause. For those prioritizing urban energy over elite academics, UTampa delivers—just don’t expect the rigor (or the ROI) of a top-tier Florida school.