Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,474
62nd percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$23,015
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.69
Manageable
Sample Size
116
Adequate data

Analysis

USF's history program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida schools—a solid middle-of-the-pack position that outperforms the state median ($27,787) by nearly $11,000 annually. While it trails elite programs like University of Miami, it actually beats Florida State and matches UCF's outcomes despite USF's lower profile. With graduates earning $33,474 in year one and seeing 16% growth to $38,900 by year four, this represents steady if unspectacular career progression.

The debt picture is manageable, particularly by Florida standards. At $23,015, graduates carry about $3,500 more than the state median but less than the national average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means a typical graduate could theoretically pay off their loans in about eight months of gross earnings—well within the safe zone that financial advisors recommend. Combined with USF's relatively affordable in-state tuition (reflected in that Pell grant rate), this becomes a relatively low-risk humanities degree.

For Florida families seeking a history degree without breaking the bank, USF delivers reasonable value. You're not getting University of Miami outcomes, but you're also not paying University of Miami prices. The program performs above average in both the state and nationally, with reliable data from 100+ graduates backing these figures. If your student is committed to history and wants to stay in Florida, this is a defensible choice that won't create crushing debt.

Where University of South Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

University of South FloridaOther history programs

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 $33k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all history 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

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of South Florida$33,474$38,900$23,0150.69
University of Miami$35,633—$19,0000.53
University of Central Florida$34,335$38,679$21,9650.64
Florida International University$31,835$42,391$17,2500.54
Florida State University$27,944$43,451$19,9070.71
The University of Tampa$27,787—$20,5000.74
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Miami
Coral Gables
$59,926$35,633$19,000
University of Central Florida
Orlando
$6,368$34,335$21,965
Florida International University
Miami
$6,565$31,835$17,250
Florida State University
Tallahassee
$5,656$27,944$19,907
The University of Tampa
Tampa
$33,424$27,787$20,500

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 116 graduates with reported earnings and 130 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.