College Costs in Fort Lauderdale, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,805
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,650
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$803
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Fort Lauderdale Overview
Population
182,760
Student Population
8,056 (4.4%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Lauderdale
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,328
Total After Financial Aid
$90,328
Annual Cost
$22,582
Annual After Aid
$22,582
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,328 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,026 |
| Total Interest | $32,751 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,079 |
Universities in Fort Lauderdale
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University | Private | $33,650 |
| Broward College | Community | $3,120 |
Fort Lauderdale has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Lauderdale | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,805 | $10,940 | -$135 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $803 | $1,050 | -$247 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Fort Lauderdale'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 Fort Lauderdale
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,056 students
Fort Lauderdale has a total population of 182,760, with approximately 8,056 college students (4.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fort Lauderdale offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Lauderdale
$42,833
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Lauderdale earn a median starting salary of $42,833, which is $7,833 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,328 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,111 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
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
Sarasota
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,916
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities