Academic Comparison between Nova Southeastern and USF

Nova Southeastern University and University of South Florida are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Nova Southeastern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Fort Lauderdale, FL and USF is a four-year, public school located in Tampa, FL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Nova Southeastern is a private (not-for-profit) and USF is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Nova Southeastern has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,700) than USF ($17,324).
  • It is harder to admit to USF than Nova Southeastern.
  • USF has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than Nova Southeastern (1,160).
  • USF has higher submitted ACT score (23) than Nova Southeastern (23).
  • USF has more students with 49,622 students while Nova Southeastern has 20,910 students.
  • Nova Southeastern has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while USF's ratio is 22 to 1.
  • USF has more full-time faculties with 2,197 faculties while Nova Southeastern has 879 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Nova Southeastern Universityvs.University of South Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaLocationTampa, Florida
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$38,7002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$6,410
Out-Of-State$17,324
93%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$23,575Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,182
73.21 %Acceptance Rates43.19 %
15.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.31 %
1,160SAT Score1,220
23ACT Score26
63 %Graduation Rate77 %
28 %Transfer-out Rate10 %
76 %Retention Rate91 %
20,910Student Population49,622
879Number of Faculties2,197
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio22 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare