Report: USF economic impact nears $10B annually in Florida
TAMPA — A new analysis has found the University of South Florida generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion across Florida, including $7 billion in the Tampa Bay region. In releasing the analysis, USF said the results underscore the university’s role as one of the most powerful economic engines locally and throughout the state.
Based on fiscal year 2023-24 data, USF said the report shows the university delivers substantial returns for students, taxpayers, employers and communities through several key areas, including workforce development, research innovation, health care and alumni productivity.
Among the key takeaways:
• Overall impact: USF generated $9.8 billion in added income to the state of Florida, which includes $6.6 billion in added income specifically for the Tampa Bay region.
• Research impact: USF received $738 million in research funding during FY 2023-24, up nearly 7% over the previous year, and an increase of 35% since FY 2021-22.
• Student impact: USF bachelor’s degree graduates will see annual earnings that are $27,900 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Florida.
• Alumni impact: USF enhances workforce readiness and productivity, contributing $7.3 billion in added income for the state economy, which includes $3.9 billion in annual added income regionally. More than 80% of USF graduates remain in Florida.
• Health care impact: USF Health delivers comprehensive care through more than 750 physicians and providers from the Morsani College of Medicine and reports over 1 million patient encounters annually.
The study was developed in partnership with Lightcast.
New rankings place USF online graduate programs among nation’s best
TAMPA — University of South Florida online graduate programs continue to place among the top in the country, with several making double-digit gains in rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
All four USF programs improved from last year and are inside the top 35 among public universities, including one USF program in the top 15 and another jumping into the top 20.
The university’s online MBA program is the highest-ranked USF program, at No. 11 among public universities nationwide (No. 14 overall among all public and private institutions), according to U.S. News & World Report. The program also ranks No. 28 in best for veterans among public universities. The university’s online graduate business program (non-MBA) comes in at No. 26 among public universities and No. 37 overall, a substantial rise of 19 places compared to last year.
The online graduate engineering program jumped to No. 18 among public universities and No. 24 overall, an impressive climb of 29 spots compared to last year. The program prepares engineers to lead complex, technology-driven organizations by integrating engineering expertise with business, project management and systems leadership skills in a fully online format.
USF’s online graduate education program ranks No. 35 among public universities and No. 36 overall, rising 10 spots compared to last year and 54 places over the past five years.
The U.S. News methodology for graduate online programs considers factors such as graduation and retention rates, admission requirements, peer reputation, faculty credentials, technology infrastructure and student support services. The weight of each category varies from program to program.
USF nursing college awarded $2 million to address nursing shortage
TAMPA — The University of South Florida College of Nursing has received a $2 million gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to establish the Second Degree Nursing Success Scholarship, which aims to accelerate efforts to address Florida’s nursing shortage.
The new scholarship program will provide vital financial support to students enrolled in the college’s Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, an intensive, fast-track pathway designed for college graduates seeking to transition into nursing.
USF’s ABSN program allows students to earn their second degree in just 16 months. However, because they are pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, ABSN students are ineligible for federal or state aid such as Pell Grants or Florida’s Bright Futures. The Kenan Trust gift helps ensure that dedicated, high-performing students can pursue nursing without undergoing financial hardship.
The program will award 400 scholarships of $5,000 each over the next three years.
Awards will begin this spring, with preference given to students with demonstrated financial need.
USF College of Nursing will use the $2 million gift to reduce student debt, expand access to the nursing profession and strengthen Florida’s health care workforce.
License exams to be given in English only
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has announced that, beginning Friday, Feb. 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally.
Previously, knowledge exams for most noncommercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish. Under the updated policy, all driver license knowledge and skills testing will be conducted in English.
Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.