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

Public, Tampa FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Tampa FL

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

The verdict

University of South Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,248 in 4.2 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $57,743 vs $59,436 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South FloridaThe University of Tampa
Net price / yr$9,812$36,211
Total net cost$39,248$144,844
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,743$59,436
Median debt$17,988$24,211
Payback4.2 yrs13.1 yrs
20-year net return$148,412$76,676

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

Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or The University of Tampa?

University of South Florida, at $9,812 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $26,399 a year, or $105,596 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of South Florida or The University of Tampa graduates earn more?

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $1,693 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 The University of Tampa?

University of South Florida: its completers carry a median $17,988 in federal loans versus $24,211 at The University of Tampa, a difference of $6,223. 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 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.

University of South Florida vs The University of Tampa: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Florida or The University of Tampa a better value?
University of South Florida. It clears its $39,248 net cost in about 4.2 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $57,743 vs $59,436 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or The University of Tampa?
University of South Florida: $9,812/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $26,399 a year, or about $105,596 over four years.
Do University of South Florida or The University of Tampa graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $57,743 at University of South Florida — a $1,693 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.