Finance and Financial Management Services at University of South Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
USF's finance program starts graduates at below-average salaries but shows impressive earning potential over time. While first-year earnings of $49,906 trail both the national median ($53,590) and Florida average ($51,633), graduates see strong 26% growth by year four, reaching $63,000—well above typical finance program outcomes.
The debt picture offers a significant advantage. At $19,542, student loans are notably lower than both national ($23,332) and state ($20,021) medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. Among Florida's 30 finance programs, USF ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack but trailing flagship competitors like UF ($70,663) and Miami ($70,352) by substantial margins.
This program works best for students seeking affordable entry into finance with room for career growth. The combination of below-average debt and strong earnings progression creates a reasonable path to financial stability, even if starting salaries lag behind more prestigious in-state options. For families prioritizing manageable debt over immediate high earnings, USF delivers solid value, though students aiming for top-tier finance careers might find better opportunities elsewhere in Florida.
Where University of South Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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 $50k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all finance and financial management services 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
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | $49,906 | $63,000 | $19,542 | 0.39 |
| University of Florida | $70,663 | $83,279 | $17,954 | 0.25 |
| University of Miami | $70,352 | $89,692 | $14,500 | 0.21 |
| Florida State University | $56,516 | $75,328 | $18,162 | 0.32 |
| University of Central Florida | $56,415 | $66,928 | $18,843 | 0.33 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $55,882 | $70,927 | $21,239 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $70,663 | $17,954 |
| University of Miami Coral Gables | $59,926 | $70,352 | $14,500 |
| Florida State University Tallahassee | $5,656 | $56,516 | $18,162 |
| University of Central Florida Orlando | $6,368 | $56,415 | $18,843 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers | $6,118 | $55,882 | $21,239 |
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 422 graduates with reported earnings and 358 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.