University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida · Public · 43.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 78/100 · Strong Value
University of South Florida is a large public research university in Tampa, Florida, enrolling approximately 37,207 students. It earns an overall ROI score of 78 — Strong Value — anchored by the highest earnings premium subscore (92) of any school in this batch and a 77% completion rate. Median six-year earnings of $39,400 and ten-year earnings of $57,743 reflect a 58% earnings premium over high-school-only workers — a compelling signal of the Florida labor market's appetite for USF graduates. In-state tuition of just $6,410 and a net price of $9,812 make it one of the most affordable research universities in the Sun Belt. Median debt of $17,988 is low, and the payback period of 7.9 years is competitive. The repayment rate subscore of 28 (only 66% making progress) is the main drag, suggesting that a meaningful share of lower-earning graduates struggle with debt — partly a reflection of the diversity of program outcomes. Engineering, nursing, and computer science graduates are among the strongest financial performers; arts, dance, and theater graduates face much harder economics. USF's classification as a preeminent university in Florida's system has elevated its research profile and national recruitment reach in recent years.
University of South Florida scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of South Florida
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students from families earning under $30,000 face a net price of $4,122 — among the lowest of any research university in Florida. With median debt of only $17,988 and engineering or nursing salaries starting above $70,000, low-income students who access USF's strongest programs face an extremely favorable financial scenario. The completion rate of 77% is encouraging, but students should connect with academic support services early.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income students ($48,001–$75,000) pay $9,326 in net price. At this level, the earnings premium and low debt profile create a payback period well under ten years for most programs. Florida's Bright Futures scholarship can further reduce effective cost for qualifying students. USF is one of the clearest high-value investments for middle-income Florida residents across most STEM and business fields.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income in-state families ($110,000-plus) pay $18,497 in net price. Even at near-sticker, USF's engineering and nursing programs deliver payback in five to six years for high-earning graduates. Out-of-state students face $17,324 tuition and should model their specific program's outcomes carefully, as the value case is strongest for Florida residents benefiting from state aid and Bright Futures.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing is USF's largest clinical program with 479 annual graduates. One-year median earnings of $72,879 and four-year earnings of $84,694 are strong, reflecting Tampa's large and growing healthcare sector. Against $22,452 in median debt, the ratio of 0.31 earns a B+ grade. At an in-state tuition of $6,410, USF nursing offers an exceptional return — arguably the best financial value among large-enrollment nursing programs in Florida.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering graduates earn $83,660 one year out and $109,054 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 earns a B+ grade. With 51 graduates annually, this program feeds Tampa's growing technology and fintech sector. At USF's in-state net price, computer engineering represents an extraordinary value — private engineering colleges charge three to four times the cost for comparable outcomes.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering graduates earn $78,825 one year out and $102,275 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 earns a B+ grade against $24,000 in median debt. The 89 annual graduates benefit from Tampa's defense technology, energy infrastructure, and healthcare device manufacturing sectors. USF's proximity to MacDill Air Force Base creates additional defense-sector recruitment pathways.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance graduates earn $49,906 one year out and $73,933 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 earns a B grade. With 465 annual graduates — among USF's largest programs — this is a significant pipeline into Tampa's regional financial services industry. Early earnings are modest, but the four-year trajectory to nearly $74,000 reflects career progression in commercial banking, wealth management, and corporate finance roles.
Management Information Systems
MIS graduates earn $55,972 one year out and $83,227 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 earns a B+ grade — one of USF's strongest by this metric. The 189 annual graduates fill technology operations and enterprise systems roles across Tampa's large healthcare, finance, and logistics employer base. MIS at this price point is an excellent credential for students who want technology careers with business-facing roles.
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 |
USF admitted 43% of applicants with SAT math mid-range of 550–660, reading of 580–660, and ACT composite of 24–29. The institution has become more selective over the past decade as enrollment demand has grown. Florida's Bright Futures scholarship significantly reduces net price for qualifying residents, making USF's effective cost even lower for high-achieving in-state students. Transfer students from Florida's state college system benefit from well-established articulation guarantees.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
USF's peers include University of Central Florida, Auburn University, and California State Long Beach — all large public research universities serving broad regional populations. UCF, also in Florida, offers direct comparison within the Florida university system; USF's earnings premium subscore of 92 outperforms UCF's aggregate. Auburn offers a comparable engineering environment in Alabama at similar in-state costs. USF's 78 overall score positions it as one of Florida's strongest ROI public universities, behind UF's flagship but ahead of most regional public alternatives.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
USF suits students seeking a large, research-active public university in a dynamic urban environment at an affordable Florida public price. The 43% admission rate is moderately selective — above flagship competitor University of Florida but well below open access. With 29% of students receiving Pell Grants, the institution serves a significant proportion of financially limited students. The SAT mid-range of 550–660 in math and 580–660 in reading signals a competitive but accessible admissions pool. Students focused on engineering, nursing, or business will find strong career infrastructure and internship access in Tampa's growing economy.
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.
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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.