College Costs in Brandon, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Brandon, 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
$1,380
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Brandon Overview
Population
115,911
Student Population
6,336 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
99.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Brandon
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,876
Total After Financial Aid
$83,876
Annual Cost
$20,969
Annual After Aid
$20,969
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,876 |
| Monthly Payment | $952 |
| Total Interest | $30,411 |
| Total Loan Cost | $114,287 |
Universities in Brandon
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon State University | Public | $6,901 |
| University of Brandon | Public | $5,726 |
| Brandon Community College | Community | $5,302 |
Brandon has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brandon vs. National Average
| Category | Brandon | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,380 | $1,050 | +$330 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.9 | 100 | -0.09999999999999432 |
Brandon's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Brandon
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,336 students
Brandon has a total population of 115,911, with approximately 6,336 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Brandon offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brandon
$33,524
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brandon earn a median starting salary of $33,524, which is -$1,476 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,876 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,427 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 Brandon
How we compile Brandon 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 Brandon 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: Brandon'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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