University of Central Florida vs University of South Florida: which has better ROI?
University of Central Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $41,644 in 4.2 years versus 4.2 years at University of South Florida, on median earnings of $58,308 vs $57,743 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Central Florida | University of South Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,411 | $9,812 |
| Total net cost | $41,644 | $39,248 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,308 | $57,743 |
| Median debt | $18,190 | $17,988 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $157,316 | $148,412 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Central Florida or University of South Florida?
University of South Florida, at $9,812 a year after aid versus $10,411 — a gap of $599 a year, or $2,396 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Central Florida or University of South Florida graduates earn more?
University of Central Florida graduates report a median $58,308 ten years after entry, $565 more than the $57,743 at University of South Florida. 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, University of Central Florida or University of South Florida?
University of South Florida: its completers carry a median $17,988 in federal loans versus $18,190 at University of Central Florida, a difference of $202. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
78% of students finish at University of Central Florida, against 77% at University of South Florida. 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.