Founded in 1956, University of South Florida is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Tampa (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Florida. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Lakeland. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, University of South Florida (USF) is a very large coeducational US higher education institution. University of South Florida (USF) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 66 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 40-50% making this US higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USF also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.