Chemical Engineering at University of South Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
USF's chemical engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—literally. Graduates earn $70,659 initially, almost identical to the Florida median and just below the national average. The debt load at $24,500 is equally unremarkable, sitting right at state and national norms. With six chemical engineering programs in Florida, this one ranks dead center, which means parents are essentially getting what they'd expect from a state flagship's STEM program—no more, no less.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is quite manageable for an engineering degree, and the 11% earnings growth over four years suggests steady career progression. A robust sample size makes these numbers reliable. However, it's worth noting that University of Florida graduates earn $16,500 more right out of the gate, a significant premium for a program that's only marginally more selective. USF's 41% acceptance rate and solid SAT scores indicate a quality institution, but the program itself doesn't appear to offer any competitive advantage.
For Florida families, this represents a safe bet but not a standout value. Your child will enter the workforce with reasonable debt and solid earning potential, tracking right alongside peers from other state programs. If they're choosing between USF and Florida State, the outcomes are virtually identical. If UF is an option, though, the earnings gap deserves serious consideration.
Where University of South Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of South Florida graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all chemical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | $70,659 | $78,184 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
| University of Florida | $87,164 | $91,729 | $20,050 | 0.23 |
| Florida State University | $70,797 | $87,015 | $25,250 | 0.36 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | $53,145 | — | $27,000 | 0.51 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $87,164 | $20,050 |
| Florida State University Tallahassee | $5,656 | $70,797 | $25,250 |
| Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne | $44,360 | $53,145 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of South Florida, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 123 graduates with reported earnings and 99 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.