College Costs in Bradenton, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Bradenton, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,275
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Bradenton Overview
Population
59,305
Student Population
4,754 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
100.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Bradenton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$78,168
Total After Financial Aid
$78,168
Annual Cost
$19,542
Annual After Aid
$19,542
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $78,168 |
| Monthly Payment | $888 |
| Total Interest | $28,342 |
| Total Loan Cost | $106,510 |
Universities in Bradenton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bradenton State University | Public | $7,022 |
| Bradenton Community College | Community | $5,673 |
Bradenton has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bradenton vs. National Average
| Category | Bradenton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,275 | $1,050 | +$225 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.6 | 100 | +0.5999999999999943 |
Bradenton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Bradenton
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,754 students
Bradenton has a total population of 59,305, with approximately 4,754 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bradenton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bradenton
$38,147
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bradenton earn a median starting salary of $38,147, which is $3,147 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $78,168 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,976 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Florida
Jacksonville
35 colleges · Avg tuition $6,394
Miami
12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,556
Tampa
26 colleges · Avg tuition $5,955
Orlando
16 colleges · Avg tuition $6,368
St. Petersburg
22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,405
Hialeah
22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,711
Tallahassee
11 colleges · Avg tuition $6,151
Fort Lauderdale
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,805
Gainesville
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,381
West Palm Beach
6 colleges · Avg tuition $7,844
Clearwater
9 colleges · Avg tuition $8,444
Fort Myers
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,118
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bradenton
How we compile Bradenton college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Bradenton institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Bradenton's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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