More high school students are embracing USF Sarasota-Manatee.

“We have new academic programs, facilities and scholarship opportunities that have helped attract new students,” says Andrew Telatovich, director of admissions and financial aid.

USFSM’s total student population grew 3 percent this past fall to 2,127. Much of that came from increases in freshman and transfer students. USFSM’s freshman population hit a peak this year with 110 new students – 26 percent more than last fall.

Meanwhile, our population of transfer students – students from other colleges and universities – rose 13 percent this fall to 401, helping to pave the way toward an impressive jump in overall enrollment.

Much of the credit for the growth must go to USFSM Admissions officials, who are working harder than ever to spread the word to local high schools and elsewhere about everything USFSM has to offer, including new programs and facilities, such as its teaching labs at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.

Also in recent years, the campus has added a College of Science & Mathematics, a $1.6 million Student Commons – with a fitness center and student lounge – and, this fall, a new campus café with a fresh, made-to-order menu and free coffee for students.

All of these changes and several others are helping to draw attention to our campus.

“The quality of education students receive on our campus, the small classroom environment, and affordability make USFSM a great option as we become more well-known as a four-year campus,” says Telatovich.

USF Sarasota-Manatee