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The University of Tampa vs St. Thomas University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tampa FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Miami Gardens FL

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 17.8 years at St. Thomas University, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $54,272 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of TampaSt. Thomas University
Net price / yr$36,211$26,312
Total net cost$144,844$105,248
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,436$54,272
Median debt$24,211$19,125
Payback13.1 yrs17.8 yrs
20-year net return$76,676$12,992

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or St. Thomas University?

St. Thomas University, at $26,312 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $9,899 a year, or $39,596 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 St. Thomas University graduates earn more?

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $5,164 more than the $54,272 at St. Thomas 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 St. Thomas University?

St. Thomas University: its completers carry a median $19,125 in federal loans versus $24,211 at The University of Tampa, a difference of $5,086. 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 48% at St. Thomas 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 St. Thomas University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tampa or St. Thomas University a better value?
The University of Tampa. It clears its $144,844 net cost in about 13.1 years versus 17.8 years at St. Thomas University, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $54,272 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or St. Thomas University?
St. Thomas University: $26,312/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $9,899 a year, or about $39,596 over four years.
Do The University of Tampa or St. Thomas University graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $54,272 at St. Thomas University — a $5,164 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.