Original reporting by Tina Meketa, University of South Florida
TAMPA — The University of South Florida continues to strengthen its position among the nation’s leading research institutions, climbing in newly released national rankings and outpacing many peer universities in research growth, according to federal data.
USF reported $522 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2024, ranking No. 47 among 422 public universities nationwide, up two spots from the previous year, according to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. Among all public and private institutions, USF ranked No. 69 out of more than 900 universities, improving from No. 75 in fiscal 2023.
Within Florida, USF ranks second among public universities in research spending.
The university’s research expenditures increased by $61 million year over year, representing a 13% growth rate—higher than roughly 90% of institutions in the Association of American Universities. Over the past two years, USF’s research spending has climbed nearly 29%, underscoring what university leaders describe as sustained momentum in research investment and output.
More than half of USF’s research funding came from federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.
Computer science, cybersecurity and AI lead gains
Computer and Information Sciences posted the largest gains among academic disciplines, rising 26 spots since 2022 to No. 25 among public universities, supported by $25.3 million in research expenditures. University officials attributed the growth to expanding faculty research in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
In fiscal 2024, the National Science Foundation awarded USF its largest cybersecurity grant to date, a $3.7 million award that launched the Cybersecurity Research and Education for Service in Government (CREST) program. The initiative is designed to prepare students for cybersecurity careers in the federal government.
Advances in geosciences and climate research
USF also improved its standing in Geosciences, Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences, rising from No. 37 to No. 29 among public universities.
Among ongoing projects is the development of a crowdsourcing application that collects real-time data on flood risks. The app, led by Professor Barnali Dixon, has been used by communities to monitor and respond to extreme weather events.
“The more accurately we can predict floods, the better we can prepare for them,” Dixon said. “The CRIS-HAZARD app helps both residents and decision-makers by providing up-to-date information.”
Mathematics and cryptography research expands
The university’s Mathematics and Statistics ranking also rose sharply, climbing 14 spots to No. 45 among public universities.
Professor Jean-Francois Biasse has expanded research at the Center for Cryptographic Research, which focuses on cryptography, quantum computing and error-correcting codes used in financial technology and cybersecurity. The department recently received a $2.5 million National Science Foundation grant, the largest in its history.
“This program supports cohorts of postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students working on collaborative projects pertaining to the applications of algebra to digital technologies,” Biasse said.
Broader impact on state and national rankings
HERD rankings measure research expenditures rather than the total value of grants awarded, offering a snapshot of how universities deploy research funding. The survey is also used by the Florida Board of Governors as part of its evaluation of state universities under the Preeminent Research University metrics.
USF’s performance in the rankings reflects what university officials describe as continued progress in research capacity and academic competitiveness, positioning the institution among the fastest-growing research universities in the United States.
