University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida · Public · 43.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 78/100 · Strong Value
University of South Florida
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $6,410/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,324/yr |
| Average net price | $9,812/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $39,248 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,743 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,988 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $191 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 76.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 37,207 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,122 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,444 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,326 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,224 |
| $110,001+ | $18,497 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of South Florida with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $49,395 | D |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $56,452 | C |
| Psychology | $47,257 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $84,694 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $73,933 | B |
| Political Science and Government | $53,883 | C+ |
| Marketing | $65,269 | C+ |
| Business Administration and Management | $64,838 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,810 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,953 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of South Florida is $6,410/year ($17,324/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,812/year, or roughly $39,248 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $4,122/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,497/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $17,988 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $191 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,743 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.46 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 69.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 43.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 550-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-660 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 37,207 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 29.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,342 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida (this school) | 78 | $9,812 | $57,743 |
| California State University-Long Beach | 86 | $10,440 | $64,403 |
| University of Central Florida | 79 | $10,411 | $58,308 |
| Auburn University | 76 | $24,323 | $65,337 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 73 | $18,976 | $60,249 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | 28 | $13,739 | $44,349 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of South Florida delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $9,812 per year ($39,248 over four years), graduates earn a median of $57,743 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.9 years - a solid return on the investment.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 76.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $17,988 against $57,743 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.