University of South Florida's published cost of attendance reaches $22,301 annually, including $17,324 in out-of-state tuition (or $6,410 for Florida residents), $13,595 for room and board, and $770 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $10,043 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,258 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,301 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,324 |
| Room and Board | $13,595 |
| Books and Supplies | $770 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,258 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,043 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,785 |
| $30–48k | $6,053 |
| $48–75k | $10,649 |
| $75–110k | $16,385 |
| $110k+ | $17,671 |
University of South Florida's published cost of attendance reaches $22,301 annually, including $17,324 in out-of-state tuition (or $6,410 for Florida residents), $13,595 for room and board, and $770 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $10,043 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,258 from the sticker price. This net price sits $5,547 below the peer median of $15,590, demonstrating strong affordability relative to similar large public universities.
The financial aid system effectively reduces costs across all income levels, with net prices ranging from $4,785 for families earning under $30,000 to $17,671 for those earning above $110,000. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net prices reflects USF's commitment to making education accessible through comprehensive financial aid programs that target assistance toward students with the greatest need while maintaining affordability for middle-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at University of South Florida remain highly manageable relative to both peer institutions and graduate earnings. Median debt reaches $17,988, falling well below the peer median of $20,000 and representing the 80th percentile for favorable debt levels nationally.
Debt distribution spans from $7,250 at the 25th percentile to $26,395 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with moderate borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 falls within favorable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate roughly 31% of their first-year earnings to debt service, well below concerning thresholds.
Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $15,000 with monthly payments of approximately $198, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of below-peer debt levels, strong debt-to-earnings ratios, and moderate parent borrowing suggests that USF successfully balances educational access with financial sustainability for students and families.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of South Florida delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and steady earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $4,948 beyond expectations relative to similar student populations, ranking at the 73.6th percentile for value-added performance nationally.
With median earnings of $57,743 and debt levels of $17,988, the investment fundamentals support long-term financial stability. The $2,012 advantage in debt levels compared to peer institutions, combined with earnings that exceed expectations, creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial health.
Net prices that average $5,547 below peer levels further enhance the value proposition, particularly for families across middle-income ranges. The 19.5% earnings growth from six to ten years after enrollment indicates continued career advancement that improves the investment return over time.
University of South Florida's financial aid approach prioritizes access for diverse student populations while maintaining affordability across income levels. The $12,258 average financial aid savings represents 55% of the total cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive support for enrolled students.
With 29.9% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population of lower-income students who benefit from federal and institutional aid programs. The aid distribution pattern shows concentrated support for families earning under $75,000 annually, with net prices remaining below $11,000 for these populations.
Even higher-income families pay net prices below the full cost of attendance, suggesting that USF provides some level of institutional support across the economic spectrum. The financial aid profile aligns with the university's Access Leader designation, demonstrating institutional commitment to maintaining educational opportunity for students from diverse economic backgrounds while managing overall affordability.
