University of South Florida vs Florida State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Florida and Florida State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Florida vs Florida State University at a glance
University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and Florida State University 24.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,648 at University of South Florida and $8,605 at Florida State University. Six-year graduation rates are 77.9% and 85.8%, 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 State University 24.2%, so Florida State University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,648 a year at University of South Florida and $8,605 at Florida State University; Florida State University costs $43 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,565 at University of South Florida and $4,332 at Florida State University.
- 77.9% of students graduate within six years at University of South Florida, against 85.8% at Florida State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,660 for University of South Florida and $68,225 for Florida State University; Florida State University is $4,565 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at University of South Florida and $13,000 at Florida State University.
- University of South Florida enrolls 37,207 students (large city) and Florida State University 32,212 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of South Florida and Florida State 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 State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 43.2% | 24.2% |
| Applicants | 50,352 | 65,235 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1320 | 1270–1410 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–29 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,648 | $8,605 |
| Tuition, in state | $6,410 | $5,656 |
| Tuition, out of state | $18,416 | $20,116 |
| Cost of attendance | $22,086 | $25,144 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,565 | $4,332 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $3,989 | $4,290 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,040 | $6,953 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,459 | $11,367 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,159 | $17,085 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 77.9% | 85.8% |
| First-year retention | 91.3% | 96.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,660 | $68,225 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $13,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $148 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 37,207 | 32,212 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Tampa, FL | Tallahassee, 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 State University 78; 60 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of South Florida vs Florida State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Florida or Florida State University?
Florida State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Florida admits 43.2% of applicants and Florida State University admits 24.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Florida 1130–1320; Florida State University 1270–1410.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or Florida State University?
Florida State University has the lower average net price after grants: $8,648 a year at University of South Florida against $8,605 at Florida State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,565 and $4,332. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Florida or Florida State University graduates earn more?
Florida State University graduates earn more at the median: $63,660 ten years after entry for University of South Florida and $68,225 for Florida State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $13,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Florida or Florida State University?
Florida State University does: 77.9% of University of South Florida students graduate within six years, against 85.8% at Florida State University.
How big are University of South Florida and Florida State University?
University of South Florida has 37,207 students in Tampa, FL and Florida State University has 32,212 students in Tallahassee, FL.