The University of South Florida (USF) is a public university. It is part of the State University System of Florida and was established in 1956 in Tampa. However, if you’re searching for “USF” and mean the University of San Francisco, that school is private. The abbreviation “USF” is shared by both institutions, so the answer depends on which one you have in mind.
University of South Florida: Public Research University
The University of South Florida is a public, state-funded research university located in the Tampa Bay region. It holds the designation of Preeminent State Research University from the state of Florida, which places it among the top tier of the state’s 12 public universities. USF ranks in the top 25 nationally among public universities for total research expenditures and has placed among the top 10 public universities for generating new U.S. patents every year since 2010.
Because it’s a public institution, USF charges different tuition rates depending on whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state student. In-state tuition is significantly lower, as state tax revenue helps subsidize the cost for residents. This is one of the clearest practical differences between attending a public university and a private one.
University of San Francisco: Private Institution
The University of San Francisco, also abbreviated USF, is a private university founded in 1855. It is a much smaller school located in San Francisco, California. As a private institution, it does not receive state funding in the same way and charges a single tuition rate regardless of where you live.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, undergraduate full-time tuition at the University of San Francisco is $63,880, plus $612 in fees. There is no in-state discount. That tuition covers 12 to 18 credits per semester, with additional credits charged at $2,275 each. By contrast, a Florida resident attending the University of South Florida will pay a fraction of that amount in tuition each year.
How to Tell Which USF Is Which
Context usually makes the distinction clear. If you’re looking at a Florida school with a large student body, a major research profile, and in-state tuition pricing, that’s the University of South Florida. If you’re looking at a smaller school in San Francisco with a single tuition rate in the $60,000-plus range, that’s the University of San Francisco. College search tools, financial aid letters, and admissions websites will always use the full name, so check beyond the abbreviation when comparing schools or reviewing costs.