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University of South Florida — ROI, Cost & Payback

Public · Tampa, FL · 37,207 students

The verdict

University of South Florida charges a net price of $9,812/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $39,248. Graduates earn a median $57,743 ten years after entry, $9,383/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4.2 years — a 20-year net return of $148,412, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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University of South Florida's 4.2-year payback ranks #324 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 75% of them, and #12 of 166 in Florida.

Better ROI than 75% of US colleges#324 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$9,812
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$57,743
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
4.2 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
43%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
University of South Florida: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$9,812/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$39,248our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$57,743Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$9,383/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$17,988Scorecard, 2026
Payback4.2 yrsour math
20-year net return$148,412our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

The arithmetic, on University of South Florida's own numbers. Net price $9,812 × 4 years = $39,248 total. Median earnings $57,743 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $9,383 a year of premium. $39,248 ÷ $9,383 = 4.2 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $148,412. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.

How much debt do University of South Florida students graduate with?

A median $17,988 in federal loans among completers, or 31% of the $57,743 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.

What share of University of South Florida students graduate?

77% finish their degree. Spread the $39,248 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $50,971 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.

Is University of South Florida expensive compared with other Florida colleges?

Its $9,812 net price runs $10,000 below the $19,812 median across the 166 Florida colleges we profile, and $40,000 less across the full degree.

University of South Florida: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Florida worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. University of South Florida charges $9,812/yr after aid ($39,248 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $57,743 ten years out — $9,383/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 4.2 years and returns $148,412 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a University of South Florida degree take to pay off?
About 4.2 years. We divide the $39,248 four-year net cost by the $9,383/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does University of South Florida cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $9,812/yr — about $39,248 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does University of South Florida compare to other Florida colleges?
It ranks #12 of 166 Florida colleges we track by payback. Its $57,743 median earnings beat the national median of $43,549, and its $9,812 net price is below the national median of $16,902.