The University of Tampa

Key Highlights

• Private, independent university founded in 1931
• SACSCOC-accredited to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees
• Urban 110-acre campus centered on historic Plant Hall
• Located on the riverfront in downtown Tampa

Student Life & Environment

Campus life includes both residential and commuter participation. The university reports 12 on-campus residence halls, with traditional rooms and apartment-style options. Students are not required to live on campus, and housing is not guaranteed. New fall undergraduates receive the highest stated priority, followed by new spring undergraduates; incoming transfers are housed only when space is available. Application timing, enrollment term and student classification all affect priority. Residents in university housing must participate in a meal plan. Available arrangements vary by building, room type and whether an apartment includes a kitchen. Students should compare the specific residence and meal-plan charges rather than treating the university's standard cost-of-attendance allowance as a guaranteed price. Residence Life describes opportunities for students to participate in residential leadership and community activities. The wider campus-life structure includes student involvement, recreation, wellness, career services, internships and student employment. The urban setting also means that students can live off campus, but they should independently evaluate leases, transportation and hurricane preparedness. A practical limitation is important: admission does not assure an on-campus room. Students who strongly prefer residential life should submit the housing application early while maintaining a realistic off-campus backup plan.

Location & Surroundings

The campus is at 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa, beside the Hillsborough River. Its defining building is Plant Hall, the former Tampa Bay Hotel constructed between 1888 and 1891. The university moved there in 1933, and the building now contains teaching, laboratory and administrative space. This location places students close to central Tampa rather than in an isolated suburban setting. The surrounding metropolitan environment can support internships, employment, cultural activities and community-based learning, although access will depend on a student's program, schedule and transportation choices. Students considering off-campus housing should compare commuting time and total costs, not only advertised rent. Tampa's climate and coastal-region risks are also practical considerations. Residence Life maintains hurricane and evacuation guidance, and students should understand university alerts and personal evacuation arrangements before the storm season. Those visiting the institution should evaluate both the walkable campus core and the transportation needed for internships, shopping, airports or off-campus housing. The campus address is in Tampa, Florida 33606.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026–2027, UTampa publishes full-time undergraduate tuition of $34,716 for 12–18 credits and mandatory fees of $2,544. Its standard on-campus allowance for housing and food is $15,572, producing $52,832 in estimated direct charges. With estimated books, transportation, personal expenses and loan fees, the university lists an on-campus cost of attendance of $61,962. These figures are planning estimates, not a student's final bill; residence, meal plan, course load, program charges and personal spending can change the total. The same official table estimates total attendance costs of $63,390 for students living off campus and $52,190 for those living with relatives. The higher off-campus estimate reflects indirect living and transportation allowances rather than additional university charges. Applicants should review financial-aid eligibility and compare net cost after grants and scholarships, not tuition alone. Graduate tuition varies by program, and specialized professional or executive programs have separate rates. Career Services supports students and alumni with career exploration, internship and job searches, appointments, fairs and employer connections. Its most recently displayed outcome data are labeled 2024–2025 and refer to Class of 2023 respondents: 97.6% of 1,554 respondents reported achieving a post-graduation goal, including 69.6% in full-time work. This is a respondent-based institutional measure, not a guaranteed employment rate or salary outcome. Students should seek program-level placement, licensing and salary evidence where those details affect their decision.