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
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | $70,659 | $78,184 | +11% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $81,553 | $108,067 | +33% |
| University of Florida | $87,164 | $91,729 | +5% |
| Florida State University | $70,797 | $87,015 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $70,659 | $78,184 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
 University of FloridaGainesville | $6,381 | $87,164 | $91,729 | $20,050 | 0.23 |
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $5,656 | $70,797 | $87,015 | $25,250 | 0.36 |
 Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne | $44,360 | $53,145 | — | $27,000 | 0.51 |
| National Median | — | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Chemical Engineers
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
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.