Tampa Sunshine Meets Top-Tier Business Connections
University of Tampa is an outstanding match for this student profile, scoring 88/100. The school excels in nearly every priority area: AACSB...
AI Recommendation
University of Tampa is an outstanding match for this student profile, scoring 88/100. The school excels in nearly every priority area: AACSB-accredited business/marketing programs with 95% internship participation, small classes (average 21 students) with accessible faculty, perfect urban Tampa location with 246 sunny days and beach access within 45 minutes, NOT a commuter school with vibrant weekend social scene, and walk-on dance team opportunities. The location is particularly exceptional - combining downtown urban energy with nature access and year-round sunshine. The 87% career placement rate and strong Tampa Bay business connections provide excellent career preparation. Primary concerns are moderate (not strong) school spirit, 58% graduation rate indicating retention challenges, and private school cost ($44K+ total). The graduation rate warrants investigation but shouldn't be a dealbreaker given the strong program alignment. Student should visit campus, meet with business/marketing faculty, attend a dance team practice, and aggressively pursue merit scholarships.
Quick Actions
Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
6
- 1 Perfect location trifecta: urban Tampa + 246 sunny days/year + beaches/nature within 30-45 minutes exactly matches student's desires
- 2 Outstanding business/marketing programs (AACSB top 5%) with 95% internship rate and strong Tampa Bay employer connections
- 3 Small classes (avg 21 students, 60% under 20) and 17:1 ratio provides teacher support student specifically needs
- 4 NOT a commuter school - 65% live on/near campus with active weekend scene and downtown access
- 5 Walk-on dance team opportunities available with Division II Spartan Spirit Dance Team competing nationally
- 6 Excellent career outcomes (87% employed/grad school within 6 months) with comprehensive career services
Things to Consider
5
- 1 58% six-year graduation rate is significantly below average - investigate why students leave and what support exists
- 2 School spirit is moderate, not strong - may not provide the 'rah-rah' culture if that's important to student
- 3 Private school cost ($31K tuition + $13K room/board = $44K+) with 64% graduating with debt averaging $32-35K
- 4 No dedicated pre-law program requires self-directed advising if that interest becomes primary
- 5 77% retention rate suggests some freshman-year challenges - ask about first-year support programs
Detailed Research
Internships
95% of students complete at least one internship. Strong Tampa Bay business connections. Required internships in many business majors. Career Services facilitates placements with 1,500+ employer partners.
Avg Class Size
Average class size is 21 students; 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students
Teaching Style
Emphasis on applied, experiential learning with internships integrated into curriculum. Project-based learning common in business programs. Faculty are teaching-focused rather than research-focused.
Academic Support
Academic Success Center offers tutoring, writing center, supplemental instruction. Small class sizes allow for direct faculty interaction. First-year advising and mentoring programs available.
Career Placement
87% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (2022 data)
Program Rankings
- No dedicated pre-law major but strong advisement through Political Science and Criminology programs, mock trial team available
- Sykes College of Business is AACSB-accredited (top 5% globally). Marketing program is well-regarded regionally. Entrepreneurship program ranked nationally by Princeton Review.
- Strong program within AACSB-accredited business school with hands-on projects and local business partnerships
- BA and BS options available, research opportunities with faculty, good preparation for graduate school
- Exercise Science & Sport Studies program serves as pre-PT track, includes clinical observation hours and graduate school preparation
Student Faculty Ratio
17:1
Greek Life
Approximately 15-20% of students involved in Greek life. 13 fraternities and sororities. Present but not dominant - social life doesn't revolve around Greek system. Provides community option without being exclusive.
Social Scene
Vibrant social scene due to urban location. Mix of on-campus events and downtown Tampa activities (restaurants, nightlife, cultural events). Diverse student body creates varied social options. River walk and downtown within walking distance.
School Spirit
Moderate to strong school spirit. Division II athletics (Sunshine State Conference). Basketball and baseball have strong followings. Homecoming and Spartan traditions present but not overwhelming. More professional/career-focused culture than traditional rah-rah spirit.
Retention Rate
77% freshman retention rate (2022)
Graduation Rate
58% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Active campus on weekends. NOT a commuter school - approximately 65% of students live on or near campus. Downtown Tampa location means students stay for weekend activities, events, and city exploration. Campus Programming Board hosts regular events.
Political Climate
Moderate to slightly conservative lean, reflecting Florida demographics. Diverse perspectives present. Generally apolitical campus culture focused on career preparation.
Setting
Urban campus in downtown Tampa. 110-acre campus along Hillsborough River with mix of historic and modern buildings. Walkable to downtown amenities while maintaining distinct campus feel.
Sunny Days
Tampa averages 246 sunny days per year. Subtropical climate with warm weather year-round. Average temperature 73°F. Humid summers, mild winters.
Nature Access
Campus borders Hillsborough River with walking paths. Tampa Riverwalk adjacent to campus. Nearby: Lettuce Lake Park (20 min), Hillsborough River State Park (30 min), Gulf beaches (30-45 min including Clearwater and St. Pete Beach). Excellent outdoor recreation access.
Transportation
Free campus shuttle system. TECO Streetcar connects campus to downtown and Ybor City. Walkable urban location. Car helpful but not essential. Rideshare readily available. Bike-friendly campus.
Nearest Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) - approximately 6 miles/15-20 minutes from campus
Surrounding Area
Downtown Tampa offers professional urban environment. Riverwalk, Armature Works food hall, Water Street Tampa development, museums, restaurants, nightlife. Ybor City historic district nearby. Professional sports (Lightning, Buccaneers, Rays). Cultural diversity. Young professional vibe.
Dance Team
UT has the Spartan Spirit Dance Team (Division II). Team performs at basketball and other athletic events. Tryouts held annually - walk-ons welcome. Team competes at UDA College Nationals. Mix of competitive routines and spirit/game day performances.
Recreation
Bob Martinez Athletics Center includes fitness center, basketball courts, group fitness classes. Intramural sports very active (flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.). Outdoor pool. Club sports available. River access for kayaking/paddleboarding. Recreation programs well-utilized.
Food Quality
Multiple dining options: Riverside Dining Hall (main), Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Subway, POD markets. Meal plans required for on-campus residents. Reviews are mixed to positive - typical college dining quality. Downtown location provides extensive off-campus restaurant options.
Campus Beauty
Attractive campus with mix of Moorish Revival architecture and modern facilities. Plant Hall (main building) is stunning with minarets and Tampa Bay Hotel heritage. Palm tree-lined walkways, Hillsborough River views. Well-maintained grounds. Distinctive aesthetic compared to typical campuses.
Housing Quality
Variety of residence halls from traditional to suite-style and apartments. Newer facilities include Straz Hall, Delo Hall, and North Complex. Many halls recently renovated. Upper-class apartment-style housing available. Palm Apartments and Vaughn Center are popular. AC in all buildings (essential for Florida). Generally well-maintained.
Dance Team Contact
Athletics Department: (813) 257-3782. Contact Spirit Programs Coordinator through UT Athletics website or email athletics@ut.edu for dance team coach contact information.
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