Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,474
62nd percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$23,015
4% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of South FloridaTampa$6,410$33,474$38,900$23,0150.69
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$35,633$19,0000.53
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$34,335$38,679$21,9650.64
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$31,835$42,391$17,2500.54
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$27,944$43,451$19,9070.71
The University of TampaTampa$33,424$27,787$20,5000.74
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.