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University of South Florida vs Southeastern University

University of South Florida is a public university in Tampa, FL. Southeastern University is a private university in Lakeland, FL. University of South Florida admits about 43% of applicants and Southeastern University about 53%, making University of South Florida the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,812 a year at University of South Florida after aid, and about $31,942 at Southeastern University. About 76% of students graduate at University of South Florida, compared with 43% at Southeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Florida alumni earn a median of about $57,743, against $46,744 for Southeastern University.

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University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public

Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Tampa, FL
Lakeland, FL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
37,207
4,813
Acceptance rate
43%
53%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1320
960–1183
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
19–25
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,812
$31,942
Full cost / yr
$22,859
$49,329
In-state tuition
$6,410
$32,950
Out-of-state tuition
$17,324
$32,950
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,122
$29,498
$30k - $48k
$5,444
$29,185
$48k - $75k
$9,326
$31,185
$75k - $110k
$15,224
$34,795
Over $110k
$18,497
$34,482
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
43%
Freshman retention
91%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,328
$36,314
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,743
$46,744
Median debt at graduation
$17,988
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
22%
First-generation students
36%
35%
International students
8%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 16
May 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of South Florida or Southeastern University harder to get into?
University of South Florida is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 53% at Southeastern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of South Florida or Southeastern University?
University of South Florida is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,942 at Southeastern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of South Florida and Southeastern University?
Before aid, University of South Florida costs about $22,859 a year and Southeastern University about $49,329. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of South Florida or Southeastern University?
University of South Florida. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,122 there, against about $29,498 at Southeastern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of South Florida or Southeastern University?
University of South Florida is the larger of the two, with about 37,207 undergraduates against 4,813 at Southeastern University.
Does University of South Florida or Southeastern University have a better graduation rate?
University of South Florida has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 43% at Southeastern University.
Do graduates of University of South Florida or Southeastern University earn more?
University of South Florida alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,743 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,744 for Southeastern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of South Florida and Southeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of South Florida requires SAT or ACT scores. Southeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of South Florida and Southeastern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1320 at University of South Florida and 960–1183 at Southeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school