University of South Florida vs Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay: which has better ROI?
University of South Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,248 in 4.2 years versus 4.3 years at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay, on median earnings of $57,743 vs $61,480 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of South Florida | Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,812 | $28,197 |
| Total net cost | $39,248 | $56,394 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,743 | $61,480 |
| Median debt | $17,988 | $24,166 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $148,412 | $206,006 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay?
University of South Florida, at $9,812 a year after aid versus $28,197 — a gap of $18,385 a year, or $17,146 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 South Florida or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay graduates earn more?
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay graduates report a median $61,480 ten years after entry, $3,737 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 South Florida or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay?
University of South Florida: its completers carry a median $17,988 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay, a difference of $6,178. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at University of South Florida, against 63% at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay. 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.