University of South Florida vs Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of South Florida comes out ahead: 78/100 to 28/100, a 50-point edge over Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of South Florida runs $9,812 a year against $13,739 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - $3,927 more a year, or about $15,708 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of South Florida graduates earn a median $57,743 against $44,349 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at University of South Florida and 20.9 years at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of South Florida owing a median $17,988 versus $23,548 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.74 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of South Flori... | Florida Agricultural and ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,410 | $5,785 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $17,725 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,812 | $13,739 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $39,248 | $54,956 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,400 | $31,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,743 | $44,349 |
| Graduation Rate | 76.8% | 53.3% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 20.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,988 | $23,548 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $250 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.74 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 65.5% | 49.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.7% | 40.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 43.2% | 20.6% |
| Enrollment | 37,207 | 7,582 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1320 | 1030-1180 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of South ... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,122 | $13,299 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,444 | $10,921 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,326 | $15,269 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,224 | $18,325 |
| $110,001+ | $18,497 | $20,332 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of South ... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,953 | $83,041 |
| Accounting | $78,918 | $85,522 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,694 | $73,658 |
| International Relations | $64,820 | $48,733 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $60,600 | $53,902 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $56,452 | $46,081 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $54,770 | $35,817 |
| Social Work | $52,451 | $47,477 |
| Teacher Education | $51,650 | $50,736 |
| Biology | $49,395 | $45,173 |
| Sociology | $47,379 | $31,167 |
| Psychology | $47,257 | $39,472 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $45,671 | $16,695 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $34,105 | $41,861 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of South ... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 33 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 76 | 25 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 22 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 87 | 46 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 28 | 8 |
| Overall ROI Score | 78 | 28 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of South Florida clearly outperforms Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (78 vs 28), a 50-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of South Florida.
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University of South Florida
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.