10 Cheapest Colleges in Florida

Florida State is brimming with institutions that offer affordable tuition. People sometimes mistake affordable colleges to be colleges that offer a not-so-good standard of education but this is not the case. Our list of affordable colleges in Florida features colleges that offer great quality education and affordable tuition. This is in a bid to make college education accessible for prospective students from all backgrounds.

Some of the affordable colleges in Florida also offer financial aid opportunities which further reduces the cost of education for residents of Florida. If you prioritize affordability when itv comes to choosing the right college for your academic journey in Florida, you should read this article, at the end of this article, you will find something suitable for you.

10 Cheapest Colleges in Florida

1. Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It was established in 1965 as part of the State University System of Florida and is the largest university in South Florida. It is one of the most affordable colleges in Florida with an average net cost of $9,881.

In addition to being one of the cheapest colleges in Florida, this college also caters to students from all backgrounds with 61% of its students being Hispanic.

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a prominent public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. This university which was established in 1853, is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States. In addition to offering excellent academic programs, UF also offers very affordable tuition. It is also ranked consistently as one of the best public colleges in the United States.

The average tuition for this college is $11,740.

3. Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University, often referred to as Florida Poly, is a public university located in Lakeland, Florida. It is the newest member of the State University System of Florida as it was established in 2012. This college offers excellent academic programs such as such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.

Its appearance on this list is not a mere coincidence, it has consistently ranked as one of the most affordable colleges in Florida over the years. Its tuition fee pay year is $1.2,373

4. Chipola College

Chipola College is a public college located in Marianna, Florida. It was established in 1947 and is part of the Florida College System which serves the educational needs of the region. This college offers great academic programs in disciplines such as Areas of study include business, education, health sciences, arts and sciences, and technology.

Chipola College offers very affordable college tuition. In-state and out-of state students pay $2,365 and $8,195 respectively.

5. Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College (FGC) is a public college located in Lake City, Florida. It was established in 1947 as part of the Florida College System. FGC offers a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs.

Areas of study offered at this institution include business, education, health sciences, public safety, liberal arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Tuition at this college is $2,369 and $9,473 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.

6. Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), established in 1962is a public college located in Fort Myers, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System that serves the educational needs of Southwest Florida.

FSW offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. Areas of study include business, health sciences, education, liberal arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The college offers bachelor’s degree programs in nursing (BSN), education, supervision, and management.

As an affordable college, the cost of tuition is $2,436 and $9,750 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.

7. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) established in 1965, is a public college located in Jacksonville, Florida. FSCJ is part of the Florida College System and serves the educational needs of the Northeast Florida region.

FSCJ offers an array of programs, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. Areas of study include business, health sciences, information technology, liberal arts, public safety, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

The college offers bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as nursing (BSN), business administration, early childhood education, information technology management, and logistics. Students enrolled at this college pay an average tuition of $2,518 and $9,632 (in-state and out-of-state students).

8. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. Established in 1961, FAU is part of the State University System of Florida and serves over 30,000 students across multiple campuses.

FAU is comprised of 10 colleges, including the College of Business, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, College of Education, College of Arts and Letters, and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College.

The university offers more than 170 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Popular fields of study include business, engineering, health sciences, education, and social sciences. Students enrolled at this college pay an average tuition of $2,522 and $14,374 (in-state and out-of-state students).

9. Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. Established in 1887, it is part of the State University System of Florida and is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and cultural significance.

FAMU comprises 14 colleges and schools, including the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Law, College of Engineering, School of Business and Industry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, and College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields such as agriculture, business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, pharmacy, and the arts and sciences.

Students enrolled at this college pay an average tuition of $3,152 and $14,524 (in-state and out-of-state students).

10. University of South Florida in Tampa

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1956, USF is one of the largest universities in the state and is part of the State University System of Florida.

USF comprises multiple colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, Muma College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, and many others.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields such as business, engineering, education, health sciences, arts, and social sciences. The net cost of attending this college is $20,910.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend College in Florida

The cost of attending college in Florida defer depending on whether the institution is public or private, the student’s residency status, and additional living expenses. On average, in-state students at public four-year universities can expect to pay between $6,500 and $7,500 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students may pay between $20,000 and $22,000 annually. Room and board at public universities typically add an additional $10,000 to $12,000 per year. Other expenses, such as books, supplies, and personal costs, can amount to around $4,200 to $5,500 annually.

For private colleges, the annual tuition and fees are higher, averaging between $30,000 and $40,000. Room and board at these institutions usually cost around $10,000 to $14,000 per year, with books and other personal expenses similar to those at public universities.

The Cost of Living in Florida

The cost of living in Florida is based on location, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Housing costs differ widely, in cities like Miami, rents range from $1,200 to $2,500 per month, while less expensive areas like Gainesville offer rents from $800 to $1,500. The median home price is around $350,000, though it is higher in upscale areas.

Utilities typically cost $150 to $200 per month for electricity and $50 to $100 for water and garbage. Groceries cost about $300 to $400 per month for a single person.

Transportation costs include gas at $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon and car insurance averaging $1,500 to $2,500 per year. Public transit in major cities costs $50 to $100 for a monthly pass. Healthcare premiums range from $300 to $600 per month without subsidies, and a routine doctor’s visit costs about $100 to $200 without insurance.