University of South Florida vs Florida International University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Florida and Florida International University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Florida vs Florida International University at a glance
University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and Florida International University 54.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,648 at University of South Florida and $11,462 at Florida International University. Six-year graduation rates are 77.9% and 77.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and Florida International University 54.7%, so University of South Florida is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,648 a year at University of South Florida and $11,462 at Florida International University; University of South Florida costs $2,814 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,565 at University of South Florida and $9,529 at Florida International University.
- 77.9% of students graduate within six years at University of South Florida, against 77.6% at Florida International University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,660 for University of South Florida and $65,722 for Florida International University; Florida International University is $2,062 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at University of South Florida and $15,547 at Florida International University.
- University of South Florida enrolls 37,207 students (large city) and Florida International University 39,508 (large suburb).
Side by side
University of South Florida and Florida International University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of South Florida | Florida International University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 43.2% | 54.7% |
| Applicants | 50,352 | 16,406 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1320 | 1070–1260 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–29 | 21–27 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,648 | $11,462 |
| Tuition, in state | $6,410 | $6,565 |
| Tuition, out of state | $18,416 | $20,204 |
| Cost of attendance | $22,086 | $23,604 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,565 | $9,529 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $3,989 | $9,968 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,040 | $11,969 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,459 | $14,589 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,159 | $19,618 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 77.9% | 77.6% |
| First-year retention | 91.3% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,660 | $65,722 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $15,547 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $177 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 37,207 | 39,508 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Tampa, FL | Miami, FL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of South Florida reports 79 bachelor's programs and Florida International University 80; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of South Florida vs Florida International University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Florida or Florida International University?
University of South Florida is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and Florida International University admits 54.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Florida 1130–1320; Florida International University 1070–1260.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or Florida International University?
University of South Florida has the lower average net price after grants: $8,648 a year at University of South Florida against $11,462 at Florida International University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,565 and $9,529. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Florida or Florida International University graduates earn more?
Florida International University graduates earn more at the median: $63,660 ten years after entry for University of South Florida and $65,722 for Florida International University. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $15,547.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Florida or Florida International University?
University of South Florida does: 77.9% of University of South Florida students graduate within six years, against 77.6% at Florida International University.
How big are University of South Florida and Florida International University?
University of South Florida has 37,207 students in Tampa, FL and Florida International University has 39,508 students in Miami, FL.