U.S. News & World released its results on Wednesday. In 2012, USF St. Pete was ranked 36th.
The 81,000-square-foot University Student Center formally opened to the public during a ribbon-cutting Thursday.
Some of the Pinellas County students recognized Thursday night will advance to a national scholastic arts competition. Raymond James and the Suncoasters of St. Petersburg helped to underwrite the event.
The March 5 program offers information on after-school tutoring, summer camp, kindergarten readiness and college counseling.
The winter graduation ceremony is Jan. 13, with more than 170 students collecting their diplomas.