College Costs in Florence, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Florence, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$525
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Florence Overview
Population
40,184
Student Population
3,180 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
83.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Florence
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,532
Total After Financial Aid
$98,532
Annual Cost
$24,633
Annual After Aid
$24,633
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,532 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,119 |
| Total Interest | $35,725 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,257 |
Universities in Florence
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Florence State University | Public | $11,091 |
| Florence Community College | Community | $4,902 |
Florence has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Florence vs. National Average
| Category | Florence | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $525 | $1,050 | -$525 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.5 | 100 | -16.5 |
Florence'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 Florence
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,180 students
Florence has a total population of 40,184, with approximately 3,180 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Florence offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Florence
$27,969
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Florence earn a median starting salary of $27,969, which is -$7,031 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,532 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,688 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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