University of South Florida vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
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 73/100, a 5-point edge over The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 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 $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - $9,164 more a year, or about $36,656 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn a median $60,249 against $57,743 at University of South Florida. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at University of South Florida and 8.6 years at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of South Florida owing a median $17,988 versus $20,500 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.49 - 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... | The University of Tenness... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,410 | $13,812 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $33,256 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,812 | $18,976 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $39,248 | $75,904 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,400 | $41,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,743 | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 76.8% | 73.9% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 8.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,988 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.49 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 65.5% | 76.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.7% | 73.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 43.2% | 41.6% |
| Enrollment | 37,207 | 30,418 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1320 | 1200-1370 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of South ... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,122 | $10,029 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,444 | $12,162 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,326 | $18,206 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,224 | $23,627 |
| $110,001+ | $18,497 | $25,688 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of South ... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $109,054 | $105,834 |
| Industrial Engineering | $90,040 | $107,093 |
| Electrical Engineering | $102,275 | $93,642 |
| Chemical Engineering | $94,387 | $91,643 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,249 | $90,623 |
| Accounting | $78,918 | $89,445 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,789 | $80,958 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,694 | $77,118 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $73,933 | $83,793 |
| Statistics | $74,071 | $83,697 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $60,600 | $82,074 |
| Chemistry | $59,942 | $79,736 |
| Marketing | $65,269 | $70,661 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $54,770 | $69,047 |
| Economics | $67,007 | $67,902 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of South ... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 73 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 76 | 71 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 75 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 87 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 28 | 59 |
| Overall ROI Score | 78 | 73 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of South Florida edges out The University of Tennessee-Knoxville by 5 points (78 vs 73), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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University of South Florida
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Fair 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.