At $24,280/yr net price, South University-Tampa graduates earn $34,421/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $421/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,280 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,421/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$421/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 230.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 4.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,123 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,538/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,919/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,071/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,140 | $139,314 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $98,736 | $46,988 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,613 | $59,405 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,883 | $23,592 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $60,839 | $43,847 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,207 | $41,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $44,418 | $45,268 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,489 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,799 | $46,193 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,986 | $46,000 |
The Risk Factor
4.5% of students at South University-Tampa graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South University-Tampa delivers poor financial returns with a 4.5% graduation rate that makes completing your degree unlikely. The $24,280 annual cost leads to median earnings of just $34,421 after 10 years, producing negative ROI for most students.
Nursing programs offer the only realistic path to financial success, with top earners reaching $98,736 annually. However, debt loads vary dramatically within nursing, ranging from $23,592 to $59,405, so you need to research which specific nursing track you're entering. Allied Health programs show high earnings at $100,140 but come with crushing debt of $139,314 that will take decades to repay.
The 11% retention rate signals that most students leave after their first year, often with debt and no degree. This creates significant financial risk since you're likely to drop out but still owe money. The low graduation rate means you're statistically unlikely to finish your program and earn the projected salaries.
This school works financially only if you're committed to nursing and can secure substantial financial aid. Nearly half of students receive aid, but you'll need more than average assistance to make the numbers work. If you're considering any program outside of nursing or allied health, you should look elsewhere for better ROI.
The Tampa job market supports healthcare careers, making nursing graduates more employable locally. However, you can likely access similar nursing programs at community colleges or state universities for significantly less money and with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South University-Tampa worth the cost?
With a 4.5% graduation rate and median earnings of $34,421 ten years after enrollment, South University-Tampa presents significant value concerns for most students. The high net price of $24,280 annually combined with low completion rates makes this a risky investment.
What are the best paying programs at South University-Tampa?
Allied Health and Nursing programs at South University-Tampa show the strongest earning potential, with some nursing graduates earning $90,000-$100,000 annually. However, these outcomes depend heavily on actually completing the program, which only 4.5% of students do.
How much debt do South University-Tampa graduates typically have?
Students who complete their programs at South University-Tampa graduate with a median debt of $26,123. Given the low graduation rate and modest earning outcomes for most programs, this debt level could be difficult to manage.
What is the graduation rate at South University-Tampa?
South University-Tampa has a 4.5% graduation rate, meaning fewer than 1 in 20 students complete their program. This extremely low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering this school.