Economics at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,351/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 23.3x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #77 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $610K $598K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.8x 23.3x 21.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,640
Out-of-state: $69,296 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,172
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,649
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,195
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,351/yr, Economics graduates from University of South Florida land near the $53,966 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 23.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $18,649 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #77 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $47,351 to $63,195 over five years — a 33% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of South Florida

University of South Florida accepts 41% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 36,299 students enrolled in Tampa, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of South Florida?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $538,127 in decade earnings vs $610,218 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of South Florida's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #77 of 351 programs nationally, University of South Florida lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →