Location: Tampa, FL•In-State Tuition: $6,410•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,324•Admission Rate: 41%•Avg SAT: 1235
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,938
75th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$17,500
35% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.45 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

USF's design and applied arts program outperforms most peers nationally but sits in the middle of Florida's competitive arts education landscape. With first-year earnings of $38,938, graduates earn more than 75% of similar programs nationwide and land at the 60th percentile within Florida—respectable positioning that puts them ahead of the state median by roughly $4,700. However, they trail Florida State and UF by $10,000+ annually, suggesting those flagship programs may command stronger industry connections or placement opportunities.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $17,500, graduates carry about $10,000 less than the typical design and applied arts student—both nationally and in Florida. The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means monthly loan payments will be manageable rather than overwhelming, giving graduates financial breathing room as they establish their creative careers. That said, earnings growth is modest at just 5% over four years, which is common in creative fields where early freelance work eventually transitions to more stable employment.

The significant caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary considerably. One or two high earners or career changers can skew these numbers. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, USF offers a reasonable path into design careers—solid earnings for the arts, low debt, and access to Tampa's growing creative economy. Just know you're not getting the premium outcomes that FSU or UF command.

Where University of South Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

University of South FloridaOther design and applied arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of South Florida earns $39k — 75th percentile among design and applied arts bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of South Florida$38,938$41,031+5%
University of Florida$43,144$62,198+44%
Florida State University$49,144$51,681+5%
Ringling College of Art and Design$28,137$43,045+53%
Flagler College$34,236$41,977+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of South FloridaTampa$6,410$38,938$41,031$17,5000.45
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$49,144$51,681$22,2500.45
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$43,144$62,198$19,8390.46
Seminole State College of FloridaSanford$3,227$39,221—$28,5580.73
Flagler CollegeSaint Augustine$26,610$34,236$41,977$27,0000.79
Rasmussen University-FloridaOcala$15,117$32,482—$35,4381.09
National Median—$33,563—$26,8800.80

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:
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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.