University of South Florida
University of South Florida has an acceptance rate of 43.2%, annual tuition of $6,410, average net price of $9,812, and a national rank of #176 (Grade A-), with a 76.8% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 37,207 undergraduates, and median earnings of $62,079 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of South Florida is a public university in Tampa, FL. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.3% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 147.2%, roughly 97.3 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is University of South Florida Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of South Florida graduates 76.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 74.8% and keeps 91.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of South Florida's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,410 |
| Books and Supplies | $770 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,440 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,896 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,859 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 29.4% of University of South Florida students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,122 annually, while high-income families pay $18,497. Use University of South Florida's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,224/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,497/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $62,079
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,743
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $17,988
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.5%
- Employment Rate 83.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of South Florida graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of South Florida vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of South Florida's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of South Florida's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of South Florida graduates report median earnings of $62,079 four years after graduation, +3% above the national median. The 147.2% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-660
- SAT Math 550-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 37,207
- Full-Time Students 84.3%
- Part-Time Students 15.7%
- Retention Rate 91.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 76.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 74.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into University of South Florida
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of South Florida requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 43.2%, University of South Florida is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of South Florida accepts 43.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1320 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of South Florida undergraduates. Biology, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Biology, General 11.4%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 9.3%
- Psychology, General 7.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.5%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.4%
See more majors
- Criminology 4.1%
- Marketing 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $99,737
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $98,101
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $91,728
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $91,161
- 5. Industrial Engineering $89,514
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $85,063
- 7. Chemical Engineering $84,431
- 8. Management Information Systems and Services $82,726
- 9. Civil Engineering $80,617
- 10. Physics $78,010
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $161,763
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $133,440
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $133,082
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $132,476
- 5. Computer Systems Analysis (Master's Degree) $127,236
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $119,872
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $118,661
- 8. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $116,007
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $98,458
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $97,700
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $99,737—28% more than Physics ($78,010). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $161,763 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of South Florida. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 1,184 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 758 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 466 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 461 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 419 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (65 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Marketing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Chemical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Civil Engineering
- History
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- International Business
- Industrial Engineering
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer Engineering
- Human Services, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Statistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Philosophy
- Dance
- Special Education and Teaching
- Design and Applied Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Gerontology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Insurance
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Information Science/Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Master's Degrees (62 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Business/Commerce, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Industrial Engineering
- Public Administration
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biology, General
- Materials Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Journalism
- Anthropology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Economics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Psychology, General
- Computer Engineering
- Statistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Mathematics
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Education, General
- Area Studies
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Environmental Design
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Real Estate
- Psychology, Other
- Engineering, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Online Doctoral Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Mathematics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Philosophy
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Criminology
- Chemical Engineering
- Sociology
- Industrial Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Music
- Gerontology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Social Work
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 37,207
- Full-Time Students 84.3%
- Part-Time Students 15.7%
- Male Students 43.2%
- Female Students 56.8%
- Caucasian 43.3%
- Asian 8.8%
- Hispanic 24.2%
- Black 8.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 29.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of South Florida's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of South Florida's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of South Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of South Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of South Florida has a diverse student body, with 43.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of South Florida support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of South Florida, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of South Florida serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #176 nationally with a 147.2% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $9,812 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $62,079 median earnings. The 76.8% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 91.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of South Florida's Strengths
Ranked #176 with a A- grade, University of South Florida prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of South Florida excel at providing affordable education ($9,812 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of South Florida's 91.3% retention and 76.8% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($62,079 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of South Florida's 147.2% ROI and $9,812 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 76.8% graduation rate sits 14.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.3% first-year retention is 14.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 147.2% return on investment is 97.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,079 run about 3% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $9,812 is roughly $10,267 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.4% employment rate within three years sits 15.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 29.4% trails the national share by 5.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Tampa, FL, University of South Florida operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #176 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 91.3% of first-year students return; 76.8% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 74.8%. Return on investment currently measures 147.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $9,812 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,859.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,047 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,988 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 29.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $62,079 four years after graduation. That sits about 3% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 83.4% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 147.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
43.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of South Florida admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of South Florida's acceptance rate?
University of South Florida's acceptance rate is 43.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of South Florida cost?
At University of South Florida, listed tuition and fees are $6,410 per year, and the average net price after aid is $9,812. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of South Florida's ranking?
University of South Florida ranks #176 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of South Florida's graduation rate?
At University of South Florida, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 76.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 74.8%, and first-year retention is 91.3%.
What are University of South Florida's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of South Florida report median earnings of $62,079 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of South Florida's student population?
University of South Florida enrolls about 37,207 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Tampa, FL 33620-9951
- Website www.usf.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$637.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate9.7%