Some seniors say USF has come a long way regarding an increase in Bull pride while others say accessibility to resources could use improvement. ORACLE PHOTO/RACHELL ROSS

U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 rankings for top U.S. universities last month — and USF landed at No. 88 for Best National Universities and No. 43 for Top Public National Universities.

In the last 10 years, USF has risen 40 places among all public universities in the country and 71 places among all universities, including private and public. This is USF’s highest ranking ever, according to a Newsroom article.

The ranking is a very impressive statistic that shows the school’s steady growth. 

But as USF’s rankings have risen, I was curious to see whether students’ experience as a Bull improved just as much. 

So, I asked seniors who have been at USF for almost four years whether the school’s rise in rankings has been reflected in their day-to-day lives. 

Related: USF ranked in AP poll for the first time since 2018

USF had a 14% increase in student enrollment this fall as compared to the previous school year. 

As USF admits more students, Avery Comer said access to school resources is becoming more competitive.

Comer, a senior anthropology major, said access to some resources remains a challenge.

“Getting an advising appointment with my advisor that’s not a month out is exceptionally hard at any point, so that’s usually a difficult one,” Comer said. “I cannot say I have noticed a change of quality, personally.” 

Comer’s difficulty in finding advising appointments shows that higher national rankings don’t always improve a student’s experience.

Rankings may hold great pride for the school’s image. But it is easy to miss the everyday struggles students face. 

Despite having a hard time securing advising appointments, Comer said getting access to online textbooks and class materials has been easy and painless. 

“Most of the other resources I need are library resources like textbooks, and a lot of times they just send digital versions, so you don’t really need to fight anyone for that,” Comer said. 

Comer said USF’s digital resources that allow students to borrow and purchase textbooks have been extremely helpful.

It is easy and quick to access online textbooks for classes and assignments, making materials convenient for students. 

Related: USF’s record-breaking enrollment sparks mix of excitement, challenges

McKinleigh Lawson, a senior health sciences major, said she has noticed a significant increase in school pride as USF students become more involved in events and activities.

“I have definitely noticed a lot more school spirit since I was a freshman at football games and people being pumped,” Lawson said. 

This season, USF made its first appearance in the AP poll since 2018, and is currently ranked  No. 18. 

As USF rankings rise, students said they feel a heightened sense of accomplishment and status, especially at high-energy social events like football games. 

Overall, USF seniors agree that the school has come a long way. They have noticed significant evolution in the school’s resources and campus culture over the past four years. 

Although the effects of higher rankings may not be immediately apparent, the progress USF is making as a university is reflected in students’ lives.

Still, it will take some time for students to see progress with some of the struggles they face in campus life. 

The progress USF has made is exciting to watch unfold, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for its Bulls.