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
The financial picture at South University-Tampa is poor. You pay $24,280 a year, yet the median graduate earns just $34,421 a decade out , barely above what many jobs pay without any degree at all. The 4.5% graduation rate and 11% retention rate are the alarming numbers here: nearly everyone who enrolls leaves without finishing, and many of them still carry debt.
Nursing is the one program that pays off. Graduates earn about $66,883 and take on less debt than most other majors here , roughly $23,000. Tampa's large hospital systems keep demand for nurses steady, so that credential has real value locally.
Everything else looks risky. Information Science graduates earn around $44,418 but leave with over $45,000 in debt , more debt than salary. Business Administration is worse: about $39,986 in earnings against $46,000 borrowed. Criminal Justice and Health Administration graduates earn in the low $30,000s while carrying roughly $40,000 in loans. In those fields you owe more than you make in a year, and the earnings don't grow fast enough to catch up quickly.
The specific risk here is the completion rate. You could pay two or three years of tuition, borrow tens of thousands, and never earn the degree. That's the most likely outcome based on these numbers.
The net price tiers make this harder, not easier. If your family earns under $30,000 you pay about $23,538 , more than families in the $48-75k range would expect to pay elsewhere, and the lowest-income bracket still pays nearly as much as everyone above it.
This school makes financial sense only if you enter the nursing program and finish it. For any other major, the debt-to-earnings math doesn't work, and you should compare Tampa's public and community college options first.
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.