University of South Florida: Is It Worth It?

Graduate earnings, costs, and ROI analysis with federal data

By Appffeine Research Team · Updated February 11, 2026

Overview

University of South Florida is located in Tampa, FL. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from University of South Florida actually earn.

Data last updated: February 11, 2026

| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $57,743 | | In-State Tuition | $6,410 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | | Acceptance Rate | 41.0% | | Graduation Rate | 74.6% | | Student Population | 36,299 |

Graduate Earnings

According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for University of South Florida graduates is $57,743 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.

This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.

How This Compares

Compare University of South Florida's graduate earnings to:

  • [Similar schools in FL](/schools/fl)
  • [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
  • [National averages by major](/majors)

Cost Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of attending University of South Florida:

| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $6,410 | $17,324 | | Room & Board | $13,595 | $13,595 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $80,020 | $123,676 |

Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

ROI Analysis

To calculate your personal ROI:

  • Estimate your total cost after financial aid
  • Compare to median earnings of $57,743
  • Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
  • Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
[Calculate Your Personal ROI →](/tools/roi-calculator)

Top Majors at University of South Florida

The highest-earning majors at University of South Florida typically include:

  • Engineering and Computer Science programs
  • Business and Finance degrees
  • Healthcare and Nursing programs
[See earnings by major at University of South Florida →](/school/university-of-south-florida/majors)

Similar Schools to Consider

Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:

  • Schools in FL with similar outcomes
  • Institutions with comparable admission rates
  • Universities with strong programs in your intended major
[Compare with similar schools →](/compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of South Florida worth the tuition?

With median graduate earnings of $57,743 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $123,676, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.

What percentage of University of South Florida students graduate?

The graduation rate at University of South Florida is 74.6%, which is above the national average.

How competitive is admission to University of South Florida?

University of South Florida has an acceptance rate of 41.0% with an average SAT score of 1235.

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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.