USF Awarding Degrees to Hispanic Students in Record Numbers

TAMPA, Fla. (May 7, 2009) Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine recognized USF in its annual list of the top 100 U.S. institutions that conferred the most college degrees on Hispanic students.

USF rose in all three rankings from its 2008 positions. The rankings are based on the number of degrees awarded between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

· Bachelor’s degrees – #29 (ranked #36 in 2008)

· Master’s degrees – #27 (ranked #30 in 2008)

· Doctoral degrees – #18 (ranked #33 in 2008)

USF is a popular destination for some of the top Hispanic students, and recognition is growing for the university throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. USF has consistently been recognized as one of the nation’s most diverse college campuses. Overall, one in three USF students represents populations historically underrepresented in higher education both in Florida and nationally. Nearly 13 percent of the USF student population is Hispanic.

“USF greatly values cultural and ethnic diversity and inclusion. We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading universities in providing a world-class education to Hispanic students,” said USF President Judy Genshaft.

Last year, USF opened its Southeast Florida Recruitment Office in Ft. Lauderdale which serves as the university’s hub for admissions activities for undergraduate students in the region as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. The two full-time admissions professionals in the office have established strong relationships with prospective and admitted students, parents, advisors, teachers and high school and community college administrators in the region to help ease students’ transition to USF.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation's top 63 public research universities and one of 39 community-engaged, four-year public universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. USF was awarded more than $360 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2007/2008. The university offers 219 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The university has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 46,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

-USF-

Story written by Jacqui Cash, Academic Affairs

Lara Wade
News Director
University Communication & Marketing
813-974-9060
lwade@admin.usf.edu