Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The University of Tampa

Similar liberal arts programs across Florida produce first-year earnings around $35,000—a figure that barely exceeds what a high school graduate could earn in many entry-level positions. For a family considering The University of Tampa's program at an estimated $30,600 in debt, that's nearly a full year's salary owed, leaving graduates with limited financial breathing room as they search for their career footing.

The comparison to Florida's top-performing programs reveals a stark divide. University of Miami and UCF graduates in this field earn $48,000-$50,000 in their first year—roughly 40% more than what peer programs suggest for UT. Even mid-tier options like Barry and Saint Leo show meaningfully stronger outcomes. The estimated debt here exceeds both state and national medians for liberal arts degrees, compounding the earnings gap.

Here's what this means practically: at $35,000 with $30,600 in loans, federal student loan payments would consume roughly 10% of take-home pay for the standard decade. That's manageable but tight, especially in Tampa's rising cost-of-living environment. If your child is drawn to liberal arts at UT for specific faculty, campus culture, or location, understand they'll likely need a clear post-graduation plan—whether that's grad school, a strong internship network, or family support during the job search—to make the investment pencil out.