Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at University of South Florida scored about 1130 to 1320 on the SAT, with an average of 1227. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1130 or lower and a quarter scored 1320 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
USF at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1130 to 1320 | Average: 1227
Reading and Writing: 580 to 660 | Math: 550 to 660
ACT middle 50%: 24 to 29
Admission rate: 43.2%
USF SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 580 | 660 |
| Math | 550 | 660 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1130 | 1320 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does USF require the SAT?
Yes. USF requires every freshman applicant to submit official results from at least one of the SAT, ACT or CLT, as all Florida public universities do.
- Minimum section scores: USF lists 490 in Reading and Writing and 480 in Math as minimums.
- Superscoring: USF takes your highest section scores across all SAT, ACT and CLT dates.
- Timing: take the test before December so scores arrive in time for a summer or fall decision.
- SAT code: 5828.
USF’s own fall 2026 numbers: admitted freshmen had a middle 50% SAT of 1290 to 1420, with GPAs of 4.13 to 4.58. Summer 2026 admits had a lower range, 1140 to 1230. The older College Scorecard range above (enrolled students) is lower too. USF says its fall 2021 range was 1230 to 1370, so scores have risen.
What SAT score should you aim for?
For a fall start at USF, aim for 1290 or higher, the bottom of the fall 2026 admitted range. At 1420 or higher, you are in the top quarter. The summer start had a lower range (1140 to 1230), but plan around the fall numbers if fall is your goal.
Because USF superscores across tests, a retake that raises only Math or only Reading and Writing still raises your USF score.
Where do you stand against USF’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 660 (Reading and Writing) and 660 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to USF’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
For cost, graduation rate and earnings data, see the full USF college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for USF?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1130 to 1320.
What is the average SAT score at USF?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1227.
Does USF require the SAT?
Yes. USF requires the SAT, ACT or CLT from every freshman applicant, superscores, and lists minimums of 490 Reading and Writing and 480 Math.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: University of South Florida (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- USF Admissions, Freshman Academic Requirements.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for USF?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1130 to 1320.
What is the average SAT score at USF?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1227.
Does USF require the SAT?
Yes. USF requires the SAT, ACT or CLT from every freshman applicant, superscores, and lists minimums of 490 Reading and Writing and 480 Math.