University of Tampa

UTampa is a medium sized private school with about 10,000 students. Even with this many students, the average class size is 22 students with an 18:1 faculty-student ratio, and 96% of classes have less than 40 students! The student body is very diverse with the average student coming 1000 miles from home to study here. For Florida students, it will feel like an out of state experience since the student body is so diverse. UTampa does not have any teaching assistants or grad assistants. They have more than 1000 study abroad opportunities, and their focus is hands-on, experiential learning in all subject areas.

The University of Tampa offers the best of both worlds. It’s a beautiful campus situated on 110 acres, but it is only a 5 minute walk to the waterfront area with shops and restaurants. Obviously, the beaches aren’t far either. It’s a contained campus that has many stores just off campus. Since they’re right in the heart of Tampa, they “own” most of the internships from the big businesses and professional sports teams that are right there.

They have 20 division II teams, but they do not have a football team. UTampa is permanently test optional; they do not want to see your scores no matter what they are. The total cost per year including room and board is about $44,000, but 92% of students receive aid with the average award being $18,000. If you’re interested in business, they said their business school outranks Harvard and Yale! UTampa is a great option if you’re looking for a test optional school that has more of a big university feel. The pools are beautiful, and as a contrast, they even have meditation rooms in a chapel building although they do not have a religious affiliation. Like I said: the best of both worlds. Go, Spartans!