At $10,043/yr net price, University of South Florida graduates earn $57,743/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,743/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,043 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,172 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,743/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,743/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,988 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,785/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,053/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,649/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,385/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,671/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. | Doctoral | $111,992 | $38,646 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $109,459 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,850 | $52,931 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Master | $87,604 | $24,256 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $86,867 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $84,100 | |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $76,460 | $20,907 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,518 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,949 | $46,914 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $73,321 | $34,129 |
The Risk Factor
74.6% of students at University of South Florida graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of South Florida delivers strong financial returns with a median net price under $11,000 and graduates earning nearly $58,000 within ten years. The low debt burden of $18,000 makes this one of Florida's better public university investments.
Your major choice makes a massive difference at USF. Nursing graduates earn over $100,000 annually, justifying even the higher debt loads some programs carry. Computer systems analysis and electrical engineering also deliver excellent returns with more manageable debt. These technical programs capitalize on Tampa Bay's growing healthcare and tech sectors.
The biggest financial risk is choosing the wrong program. While USF's top majors produce six-figure earners, other programs likely generate much lower returns given the overall median of $57,000. The 75% graduation rate means one in four students leaves without a degree but potentially with debt.
USF works best financially if you can get into nursing, engineering, or computer science programs. Florida residents get the biggest advantage with in-state tuition driving down that net price. The relatively low percentage receiving aid suggests merit opportunities may be limited, so don't count on scholarships to reduce costs further.
Skip USF if you want to study lower-earning majors where the regional job market won't justify even this modest investment. The school's strength lies in practical, high-demand programs rather than liberal arts or niche fields where you might struggle to service even $18,000 in debt with Tampa-area wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Florida worth the cost?
University of South Florida offers solid value with a low net price of $10,043 annually and median debt under $18,000. Graduates earn $57,743 after 10 years, which is decent but not exceptional for a four-year degree.
What are the best paying majors at University of South Florida?
Nursing and pharmacy programs at University of South Florida lead to the highest earnings, with some nursing specialties reaching $112,000 and pharmacy hitting $109,000. Engineering and computer systems analysis also perform well at around $87,000.
How much debt do University of South Florida graduates have?
University of South Florida graduates leave with a median debt of $17,988, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low in-state tuition keeps debt levels reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at University of South Florida?
University of South Florida has a 75% graduation rate, which is above average for public universities. This means most students who start actually finish their degrees within six years.