Universities near Tampa, Florida - any recommendations?

I'm exploring universities near Tampa and would love to hear any recommendations or personal experiences. What are some good schools around there, and how do they stack up in terms of academics and social life?

Tampa, Florida houses a variety of educational institutions that range broadly in their academic emphasis and social environment. Here are some to consider:

1. University of South Florida (USF): Located directly in Tampa, USF is a large, public university offering programs in a wide array of disciplines. It also consistently ranks fairly well, especially for programs like Public Health, Criminology, and Engineering. The student population is quite diverse and there are numerous student organizations and activities, offering an enriching social life.

2. University of Tampa (UT): UT is a smaller, private university located in the heart of downtown Tampa. It offers more personalized attention due to smaller student-to-faculty ratios. UT is particularly strong in Business and Communications programs. It has a vibrant student life with various clubs, Greek life, and events.

3. Saint Leo University: This is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts university located about 35 miles north of Tampa. It has a strong emphasis on community service and values-based education, offering a wide range of majors.

4. Eckerd College: A liberal arts school in nearby St. Petersburg, Eckerd is known for its personalized education, as seen in its very low student-to-faculty ratio. It has a scenic campus on the coast and a vibrant social scene, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

5. New College of Florida: While a bit farther (about 1-hour drive), New College is the public honors college for liberal arts in Florida. It offers an innovative, student-centered curriculum.

It's essential to consider your academic interests, financial situation, and social preferences while choosing which schools to research further. Each of these institutions offers campus visits and virtual tour options for prospective students, which may be helpful in your decision-making process.