University of South Florida
University of South Florida has an acceptance rate of 43.2%, an average net price of $8,648, and an overall rank of #172 (Grade A-). About 77.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $63,909 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 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 171.4%, roughly 121.5 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 77.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 74.9% 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
Est. annual aid gap: $13,438 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $780 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,824 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,120 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,086 |
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 33.2% 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. Net prices range from $5,565 to $17,159 depending on family income. Use University of South Florida's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,459/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,159/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $63,909
- 10-Year Median Earnings $63,660
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $16,250
- Debt-to-Earnings ~25.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.5%
- Employment Rate 91.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of South Florida graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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: With a 171.4% return on investment, University of South Florida delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $63,909 median—4% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
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) 77.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 74.9%
- 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 11.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 10.7%
- Psychology, General 9.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.8%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.6%
- Criminology 3.8%
See more majors
- Marketing 3.8%
- Business/Commerce, General 2.9%
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 $108,513
- 2. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $103,871
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $100,016
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Engineering $99,286
- 5. Chemical Engineering $95,922
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $91,068
- 7. Civil Engineering $89,712
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $89,445
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $84,434
- 10. Management Information Systems and Services $82,958
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $151,985
- 2. Computer Systems Analysis (Master's Degree) $137,179
- 3. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $137,047
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $135,059
- 5. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $134,307
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $131,214
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $120,650
- 8. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $118,040
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $114,962
- 10. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $111,331
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $108,513—31% more than Management Information Systems and Services ($82,958). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $151,985 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 1,197 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 905 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 479 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 465 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 384 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (72 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Social Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Human Services, General
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Computer Engineering
- International Business
- Anthropology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Statistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Physics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Mathematics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Dance
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Design and Applied Arts
- Geography and Cartography
- Applied Mathematics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Sustainability Studies
- Music
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Insurance
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Gerontology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Area Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (71 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Marketing
- Architecture
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Industrial Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Administration
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Music
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biology, General
- Materials Engineering
- History
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Anthropology
- Psychology, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Mathematics
- Human Services, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Statistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Environmental Design
- Area Studies
- Real Estate
- Psychology, Other
- Philosophy
- Engineering, General
- Education, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Doctoral Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Computer Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Psychology, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Social Work
- Engineering, General
- Biology, General
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
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 33.2%
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 achieves an impressive 171.4% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #172 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Median earnings reach $63,909 while students pay just $8,648 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 77.9% graduation rate and 91.3% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why University of South Florida Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies University of South Florida as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: University of South Florida's 171.4% ROI stems from balancing $63,909 median earnings against $8,648 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 171.4% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With an A- grade and #172 ranking, University of South Florida represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 77.9% graduation rate sits 15.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.3% first-year retention is 14.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 171.4% return on investment is 121.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $63,909 run about 4% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $8,648 is roughly $11,233 lower than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years sits 23.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 33.2% trails the national share by 5.2 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 an A- from EDsmart. It appears at #172 in EDsmart's rankings 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 (2027 rankings 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; 77.9% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 74.9%. Return on investment currently measures 171.4% 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 $8,648 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,086.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,438 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.2% 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 $63,909 five years after graduation. That sits about 4% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 91.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 171.4%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of South Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-south-florida/
MLA (9th): “University of South Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-south-florida/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of South Florida: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-south-florida/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does University of South Florida cost?
At University of South Florida, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $8,648 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $22,086 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $6,410. 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 #172 overall in EDsmart's 2027 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 77.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 74.9%, 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 $63,909 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education 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 U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 4202 East Fowler Ave, 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 Rate8.8%