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
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 | $33,474 | $38,900 | +16% |
| University of Florida | $27,360 | $52,559 | +92% |
| Florida State University | $27,944 | $43,451 | +55% |
| Florida International University | $31,835 | $42,391 | +33% |
| Florida Atlantic University | $24,639 | $41,947 | +70% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,410 | $33,474 | $38,900 | $23,015 | 0.69 | |
| $59,926 | $35,633 | — | $19,000 | 0.53 | |
| $6,368 | $34,335 | $38,679 | $21,965 | 0.64 | |
| $6,565 | $31,835 | $42,391 | $17,250 | 0.54 | |
| $5,656 | $27,944 | $43,451 | $19,907 | 0.71 | |
| $33,424 | $27,787 | — | $20,500 | 0.74 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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.