If you’re on a budget and are considering low-tuition colleges in Florida, you’ve got a ton of options. Florida is one of the leading states in higher education because of its low tuition rates and real targeted tuition relief. Colleges such as Florida Atlantic University and Florida Gulf Coast University make up some of the cheapest colleges in Florida, with tuition costs as low as $200 per credit hour.
For this reason, we’ve compiled the following article that features some of the cheapest universities in Florida. We’ll also take a brief look at some of the cheapest online colleges in Florida if you are also considering remote or distance learning. Our list of the most affordable colleges in Florida includes not only tuition information, but acceptance rate and graduation rate information as well.
How Much Does College Cost in Florida?
College in Florida costs between $2,500 and $6,500 per year for Florida residents. According to a survey by the Foundation of Government Accountability, Florida Students pay less than $2,500 in average tuition costs, making Florida the most affordable state to pursue higher education.
Florida’s students are paying less in tuition and fees compared to students in all the other states. Furthermore, Florida is the only state where students are paying less than they did a couple of decades ago. All these factors have made Florida an ideal state to pursue higher education, especially for those on a tight budget.
Most Affordable Colleges in Florida: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | Orlando | $105/credit hour | $288/credit hour |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | $203/credit hour (in state), $722/credit hour (out of state) | $372/credit hour (in state), $1,027/credit hour (out of state) |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | $204/credit hour (in state), $839/credit hour (out of state) | $373/credit hour (in state), $1,301/credit hour (out of state) |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee | $215/credit hour (in state), $721/credit hour (out of state) | $479/credit hour (in state), $1,111/credit hour (out of state) |
| Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah | $550/credit | $675/credit |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee | $2,277/term (in state), $8,250/term (out of state) | $650-$792/credit hour |
| Florida International University | Miami | $3,084/semester (in state), $9,283/semester (out of state) | $4,101/semester (in state), $9,015/semester (out of state) |
| University of Florida | Gainesville | $6,380/academic year | $12,744/academic year |
| University of South Florida | Tampa | $6,410/academic year (in state), $17,324/academic year (out of state) | $7,840/academic year (in state), $15,864/academic year (out of state) |
| San Ignacio University | Doral | $40,800/academic year | $18,360-$21,420/ academic year |
Cheapest Universities in Florida: A Closer Look
The cheapest colleges in Florida include Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Florida State University. We’ve compiled the information about the cheapest universities in Florida using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the US Department of Education College Scorecard. Here’s a closer look at the most affordable universities in Florida.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Florida
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Broward College | $123/credit (in state), $243/credit (out-of-state) | Associate, Certificate |
| University of Central Florida | $105/credit hour (undergraduate programs) $288/credit hour (graduate programs) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Certificate, Doctorate |
| Florida International University | $1,758/term (in state), $3,163/term (out-of-state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Daytona State College | $92/credit hour (in state), $3,163/credit hour (out of state) | Associate, Vocational Certificate, Baccalaureate and Adult Education |
| Bethune-Cookman University | $6,922/term | Bachelor’s, Graduate |
Cheapest Colleges in Florida by In-State Tuition
- University of Central Florida | $105/credit hour
- Florida Atlantic University | $203/credit hour
- Florida Gulf Coast University | $204/credit hour
- Florida State University | $215/credit hour
- Florida National University-Main Campus | $550/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Florida by Out-of-State Tuition
- University of Central Florida | $105/credit
- Florida National University-Main Campus | $550/credit hour
- Florida State University | $721/credit hour
- Florida Atlantic University | $722/credit hour
- Florida Gulf Coast University | $839/credit hour
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive because of the increase in demand for higher education programs and the expansion of services to students like healthcare and counseling. There are many other factors that are pushing college tuition rates and student debt to all-time highs. Costs for public colleges have risen 211 percent in the last 20 years according to US News & World Report, and this has gained national attention. Here are some of the factors that make college expensive in Florida and the US in general.
Increased Demand and Inflation
A significant number of people want to go to college. Thus, the demand for higher education programs has been exponentially increasing for decades. Combine this with the surging inflation rates, and it would be easier to see why higher education is out of reach for many Americans.
Expansion of Student Services
Student services refer to a collection of services offered on campus to support students. To foster student success, more and more educational institutions are increasingly relying on student services. Universities are now allocating resources and finances to these amenities and accommodations, which increases the overall costs of operation and, indirectly, the cost of attendance.
Books and Supplies
Colleges and universities require students to pay for books, supplies, and other materials to study to maintain a high academic standing. According to US News & World Report, the cost of books have increased three times more than the rate of inflation. Such factors have contributed to the expensive cost of college education.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Avoid impulse purchases. Resist the urge to spend on items and experiences you had not planned for. Consider preparing a budget that covers everything, including expenses and savings.
- Avoid takeouts and eating out. Takeouts, college meal plans, and dining in a restaurant is expensive. According to Debt.org, the average meal plan has doubled in the past decade. So, you’ll save more by preparing your own meals at home or in your dorm room.
- Consider getting a job. One of the best ways to save money is by earning more. Consider getting a part-time job to help cover some of your expenses while allowing you to have time to study.
- Don’t use your car for transport. Gas prices, car insurance, and parking prices have been surging in America in the last few years. You can save more money by using bikes, public transport, campus shuttles, and scooters.
- Take advantage of your student ID. Many establishments, including restaurants and retail stores, have offers that apply exclusively to students, even if they don’t attend college on a full-time basis. For instance, Apple put student discounts on the new MacBook Air M1 prices, making it cheaper to buy the laptop as a student.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Florida
- Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. As a student seeking financial aid, it’s important to first start by completing a FAFSA form.
- Verify your information. There’s a lot that goes into the FAFSA application. Once you’ve successfully submitted your application, be sure to confirm your unique confirmation number, Data Release Number (DRN), and a summary of what financial aid you might be eligible for.
- Save the confirmation page. This way, you’ll have a proof that your application is received. You can store it along with your other school records.
- Do a follow-up. Keep a close eye on the status of your FAFSA application. If selected for federal verification, you’ll have to provide the necessary documents before the amount is disbursed to you.
Scholarships for Students in Florida
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Scholarship | National Merit Scholarship Corporation | $2,500 | National Merit finalists who indicate University of Florida (UF) as their first-choice institution |
| Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program | Florida Department of Education | 100% of the tuition fees | Awarded based on high school academic achievement |
| Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarships | University of Florida, Florida State | Varies | Must be a Florida resident, graduate from a Florida high school, and complete the FAFSA application |
| BIG ARTS Classical Music Scholarship | BIG ARTS | $10,000 to $25,000 | Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Florida undergraduate music program |
| Gene Wright Scholarship Fund | University of Florida | Varies | For college freshmen who satisfied Gene Wright Scholarship requirements in their senior year in high school |
| Viner-Seniors 2022 | Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation | Varies | For high school seniors at a partner school, have a unweighted GPA of 3.0, and have performed more than 100 hours of community service |
| Ryan McKee Scholarship | University of Florida | Varies | Minimum GPA of 3.0, veterans, criminology majors |
| BIG ARTS Performing and Creative Arts | BIG ARTS | $10,000 to $25,000 | High school senior, three letters of recommendation, current resident of Lee County |
| Benacquisto Scholarship | Universities in Florida including University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida | Per term institutional cost of attendance, less other scholarship amounts | Available to National Merit finalists who receive certain scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship |
| Metta Heathcote Fund | Metta Heathcote Fund | $300 to $1,000 | Resident of St. Petersburg or Pinellas Counties, a graduate of a Pinellas County high school, satisfactory academic progress |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Florida
Choosing an affordable yet premier college can be challenging. Here are some considerations in how to choose a cheap yet preeminent university in Florida.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance refers to the tuition costs plus student expenses, such as housing, food, transportation, books, and supplies. Include these in the costs you’ll have to pay after receiving financial aid.
Location
It would be ideal to be near your preferred university to reduce your transportation costs. With the ever rising fuel prices, you’ll do well if you save on gas and parking fees. Some locations also tend to have a higher cost of living compared to others. Attending a college in Miami could be expensive compared to other cities and towns, such as Kissimmee and Palm Coast.
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Availability of Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs
When choosing between colleges in Florida, ensure that your preferred school offers many scholarships and financial aid programs. For example, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship covers the total cost of tuition for recipients. Such opportunities could help you cover the cost of academic programs, sparing you from the headaches of student debt.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Florida
| Job Title | Average Salary in Florida | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Physician and Surgeon | $248,690 | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Chief Executive | $215,050 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Dentist | $164,370 | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $146,310 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Lawyer | $129,390 | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Pharmacist | $121,970 | Doctoral or Professional Degree |
| Computer Network Architect | $111,580 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $107,850 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Software Developer | $105,200 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $104,870 | Bachelor’s Degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Florida: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Florida Worth It?
Yes, a cheap college in Florida is worth it. Florida is the only state where students are paying less than they did a couple of decades ago. Not only that, but Florida is home to some of the best universities in America such as the University of Florida, the University of Miami, and Florida State University. Enrolling in a college program in this state comes highly recommended.
Cheapest Colleges in Florida FAQ
D A Dorsey Technical College. According to data from the US Department of Education College Scorecard, D A Dorsey Technical College is the cheapest school in Florida, with an average annual cost for the largest program standing at $514.
There is no free college in Florida, but there are institutions offering scholarships and grants that cover full tuition costs. For instance, Florida State University Panama City offers a scholarship program that provides tuition at no cost to qualified Florida students.
Due to targeted relief, financial aid, and a series of legislatures of the state government of Florida, the state has the lowest tuition in the US for four-year public schools. Thanks to these reasons, the schools provided increased transparency while reducing higher education costs.
Chipola College is the cheapest four-year college in Florida. According to data from the US Department of Education College Scorecard, Chipola College is the cheapest four-year college in Florida with an average annual cost of $1,000.
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