College Costs in Destin, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Destin, 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
$1,146
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Destin Overview
Population
14,118
Student Population
1,128 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
101.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Destin
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,012
Total After Financial Aid
$83,012
Annual Cost
$20,753
Annual After Aid
$20,753
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,012 |
| Monthly Payment | $943 |
| Total Interest | $30,098 |
| Total Loan Cost | $113,110 |
Universities in Destin
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Destin State University | Public | $6,084 |
| Destin Community College | Community | $5,860 |
Destin has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Destin vs. National Average
| Category | Destin | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,146 | $1,050 | +$96 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.4 | 100 | +1.4000000000000057 |
Destin's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Destin
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,128 students
Destin has a total population of 14,118, with approximately 1,128 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Destin offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Destin
$37,332
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~36 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Destin earn a median starting salary of $37,332, which is $2,332 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,012 (including room and board), it would take approximately 36 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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