History at University of South Florida
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | $33,474 | $38,900 | $23,015 | 0.69 |
| University of Miami | $35,633 | — | $19,000 | 0.53 |
| University of Central Florida | $34,335 | $38,679 | $21,965 | 0.64 |
| Florida International University | $31,835 | $42,391 | $17,250 | 0.54 |
| Florida State University | $27,944 | $43,451 | $19,907 | 0.71 |
| The University of Tampa | $27,787 | — | $20,500 | 0.74 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.