At $35,634/yr net price, The University of Tampa graduates earn $59,436/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,436/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,634 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $142,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,436/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,436/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,211 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,631/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,966/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,645/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,835/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,275/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 | $39,491 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,253 | $36,180 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,825 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,579 | $25,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,500 | $24,250 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $24,601 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $26,937 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $24,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,592 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
61.9% of students at The University of Tampa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Tampa delivers mediocre financial returns at a premium price, with graduates earning $59,436 ten years out while paying $35,634 annually in net costs. The numbers become concerning when you factor in the 62% graduation rate, meaning nearly four in ten students pay these high costs without finishing their degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning nearly $98,000 annually despite carrying $39,491 in debt. Business administration and accounting also provide solid returns around $59,000, though accounting majors graduate with notably less debt at $20,500. Finance graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning under $50,000 while carrying $25,250 in debt.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its low financial aid participation rate of just 16%, suggesting most families pay close to the full sticker price. This makes Tampa particularly risky for middle-class families who might not qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the high costs.
Tampa makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing or enter business fields where the school's Tampa Bay connections provide value. The location offers internship and job opportunities in a growing metropolitan area. However, you should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, plan to study lower-earning majors not listed above, or want the security of a higher graduation rate. The combination of high costs and moderate outcomes makes this a questionable investment unless you have specific career goals that align with the school's strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Tampa worth the high tuition cost?
The University of Tampa's $35,634 annual net price is steep for median earnings of $59,436 ten years after graduation. The nursing programs offer strong returns at nearly $98,000, but business and finance graduates earn closer to $50,000-$60,000, making the ROI questionable for most majors.
What are the best paying programs at The University of Tampa?
Nursing programs at The University of Tampa lead earnings at $97,959 annually, followed by business administration at $59,253 and accounting at $59,124. Finance graduates earn significantly less at $49,579, barely justifying the school's high costs.
How much debt do University of Tampa graduates typically have?
University of Tampa graduates leave with a median debt of $24,211, which is manageable compared to the school's high costs. However, with only a 62% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does The University of Tampa have good job outcomes for the money?
The University of Tampa's job outcomes vary dramatically by program. Nursing graduates see excellent returns, but the 62% graduation rate and modest earnings in popular business programs make it a risky investment for many students.