Featurette

Economic Impact: $3.7 Billion Annually

USF plays an enormous role in the Tampa Bay region.

As the nation's fastest-growing research university, USF is a magnet for attracting health and technology companies — companies that play an important role in reviving the economy and expanding opportunities throughout the state.

But the university's impact doesn't stop there. The university unites the region's greatest assets in science, technology, math, engineering, health care, education and financial services, and is relentlessly focused on preparing students to thrive in a globally-competitive market.

It's a staggering impact — one that adds up to new knowledge, new companies and new jobs for the Tampa Bay region — an annual economic impact of $3.7 billion.

Astonishing Growth in Research and Innovation

• USF ranks 34th in federal research expenditures for public universities in FY 2009, and 2nd in Florida.
• With a 213% increase between 2000-2007, no other American university grew its federal research enterprise at a faster rate than USF, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
• A 200% increase in patents awarded over the past five years places USF 2nd in Florida for patents awarded. USF's license income grew 46% from FY 2000-2009.
• USF is one of only four Florida public universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities, a distinction attained by only 2.3% of American universities.

USF Prepares a High-Demand, High-Tech Workforce

• In 2009-1010, the USF System was one of the top in the state for degree production, awarding a total of 10,835 degrees to bright and talented students entering the workforce or continuing their education. Of the total degrees awarded, USF is among the top five in the state awarding degrees in areas of strategic emphasis (41% of degrees).