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The University of Tampa vs Nova Southeastern University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tampa FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Fort Lauderdale FL

The verdict

Nova Southeastern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,484 in 11.2 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $59,209 vs $59,436 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of TampaNova Southeastern University
Net price / yr$36,211$30,371
Total net cost$144,844$121,484
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,436$59,209
Median debt$24,211$24,250
Payback13.1 yrs11.2 yrs
20-year net return$76,676$95,496

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Nova Southeastern University?

Nova Southeastern University, at $30,371 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $5,840 a year, or $23,360 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 Nova Southeastern University graduates earn more?

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $227 more than the $59,209 at Nova Southeastern University. 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 Nova Southeastern University?

The University of Tampa: its completers carry a median $24,211 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Nova Southeastern University, a difference of $39. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at The University of Tampa, against 63% at Nova Southeastern University. 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 Nova Southeastern University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tampa or Nova Southeastern University a better value?
Nova Southeastern University. It clears its $121,484 net cost in about 11.2 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $59,209 vs $59,436 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Nova Southeastern University?
Nova Southeastern University: $30,371/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $5,840 a year, or about $23,360 over four years.
Do The University of Tampa or Nova Southeastern University graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $59,209 at Nova Southeastern University — a $227 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.