University of South Florida vs University of Central Florida
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of South Florida and University of Central Florida come out about even on financial return. University of South Florida scores 78/100 and University of Central Florida scores 79/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of South Florida runs $9,812 a year against $10,411 at University of Central Florida - $599 more a year, or about $2,396 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Central Florida graduates earn a median $58,308 against $57,743 at University of South Florida. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at University of South Florida and 7.8 years at University of Central Florida.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of South Florida owing a median $17,988 versus $18,190 at University of Central Florida. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.46 - 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... | University of Central Flo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,410 | $6,368 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $22,467 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,812 | $10,411 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $39,248 | $41,644 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,400 | $39,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,743 | $58,308 |
| Graduation Rate | 76.8% | 78.0% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 7.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,988 | $18,190 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $193 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 65.5% | 67.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.7% | 67.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 43.2% | 40.1% |
| Enrollment | 37,207 | 59,146 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1320 | 1200-1350 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of South ... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,122 | $5,816 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,444 | $7,174 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,326 | $10,128 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,224 | $14,902 |
| $110,001+ | $18,497 | $17,681 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of South ... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $109,054 | $106,680 |
| Electrical Engineering | $102,275 | $99,442 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,953 | $98,526 |
| Industrial Engineering | $90,040 | $91,630 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,249 | $89,663 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,789 | $86,803 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,694 | $83,737 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $73,933 | $82,007 |
| Accounting | $78,918 | $79,563 |
| Statistics | $74,071 | $76,372 |
| Economics | $67,007 | $76,360 |
| Marketing | $65,269 | $72,440 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $60,600 | $69,111 |
| Mathematics | $59,125 | $69,005 |
| Physics | $68,967 | $55,826 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of South ... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 76 | 77 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 81 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 87 | 88 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 28 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 78 | 79 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Central Florida edges out University of South Florida by 1 points (79 vs 78), 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.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of South Florida
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Central Florida
Strong 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.