USF Trustees Approve Student Fee Increases

Activity, service and transportation fees rise for students, with both increases taking effect next fall.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Higher Education

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall stack of silver coins beside a plain bus-shaped block, rendered in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard, evoking campus fee increases. — The University of South Florida Board of Trustees approved raising its student activity and service fee to $13.90 and its transportation fee to $4.50 per credit hour, effective next fall. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of South Florida trustees voted Wednesday to raise the student activity and service fee from $12.08 to $13.90 per student credit hour, and the student transportation fee from $3 to $4.50 per student credit hour. Both increases take effect next fall.

Why it matters

The activity and service fee had not changed since the 2013-14 school year, and the transportation fee had not increased since 2008-09. Officials say current funding does not cover operating expenses, which have grown more than 60% over the last 15 years.

The activity and service fee rises from $12.08 to $13.90 per student credit hour, and the transportation fee rises from $3 to $4.50 per student credit hour. The activity fee has been unchanged since 2013-14 and the transportation fee since 2008-09.

The players

University of South Florida

A public research university in Tampa whose Board of Trustees governs student fee policy for its campuses.

The details

The Board of Trustees approved both increases on Wednesday. The activity and service fee supports student government, campus programming and student-led initiatives, while the transportation fee funds shuttle and transit services. A request for fee relief from graduate students was denied last year.

2008-09 school year: transportation fee last increased.
2013-14 school year: activity and service fee last changed.
Last year: graduate student fee relief request denied.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: trustees vote to approve both increases.
Fall 2027: both fee increases take effect.

Season Trajectory

Public universities across Florida have faced growing operating costs while student fees stayed flat for years. USF's fee increases respond to that gap and aim to keep the university competitive with comparable state institutions.

Students at USF will pay more per credit hour for activity, service and transportation fees starting next fall. Budgeting for the higher per-credit charges now can help offset the added cost for the coming academic year.