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The University of Tampa vs Florida Southern College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tampa FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Lakeland FL

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of Tampa has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,844 in 13.1 years versus 16.5 years at Florida Southern College, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $55,294 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of TampaFlorida Southern College
Net price / yr$36,211$28,551
Total net cost$144,844$114,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,436$55,294
Median debt$24,211$25,000
Payback13.1 yrs16.5 yrs
20-year net return$76,676$24,476

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College?

Florida Southern College, at $28,551 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $7,660 a year, or $30,640 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College graduates earn more?

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $4,142 more than the $55,294 at Florida Southern College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College?

The University of Tampa: its completers carry a median $24,211 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Florida Southern College, a difference of $789. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Florida Southern College, against 64% at The University of Tampa. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

The University of Tampa vs Florida Southern College: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College a better value?
The University of Tampa. It clears its $144,844 net cost in about 13.1 years versus 16.5 years at Florida Southern College, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $55,294 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College?
Florida Southern College: $28,551/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $7,660 a year, or about $30,640 over four years.
Do The University of Tampa or Florida Southern College graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $55,294 at Florida Southern College — a $4,142 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.