College Cost Planning in Clearwater, FL 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Clearwater, Florida. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Clearwater as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,444
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$19,800
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Local Cost Market
9
benchmark points
Clearwater Overview
Population
117,239
Student Population
7,791 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Clearwater
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$78,780
Total After Financial Aid
$78,780
Annual Cost
$19,695
Annual After Aid
$19,695
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $78,780 |
| Monthly Payment | $895 |
| Total Interest | $28,564 |
| Total Loan Cost | $107,344 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Clearwater
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
9
Public tuition
$8,444
Private tuition
$19,800
Community college
$3,120
Cost of Living in Clearwater vs. National Average
| Category | Clearwater | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,444 | $10,940 | -$2,496 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
Clearwater's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Clearwater
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,791 students
Clearwater has a total population of 117,239, with approximately 7,791 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clearwater offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clearwater
$45,891
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~7.2 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clearwater earn a median starting salary of $45,891, which is $10,891 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 7.2 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,128 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Fort Myers
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,118
Sarasota
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,916
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clearwater
How we compile Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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: Clearwater'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Clearwater, FL?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Clearwater is $8,444. Private university tuition averages $19,800, and community college tuition averages $3,120. When room and board ($11,251/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $19,695.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Clearwater, FL?
Clearwater uses approximately 9 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 7,791, which represents 6.6% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Clearwater?
The average rent near college campuses in Clearwater is approximately $975 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 88 (national average is 100), a walk score of 54, and a public transit score of 33. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Clearwater?
College graduates in Clearwater earn a median starting salary of $45,891. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%. With an average financial aid package of $8,128 per student and a 60% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Clearwater, FL?
With a median starting salary of $45,891 and an average 4-year public university cost of $78,780 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 7.2 years. The 60% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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