College Costs in Key West, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Key West, 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
$1,212
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Key West Overview
Population
25,478
Student Population
3,200 (12.6%)
Cost of Living Index
92.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Key West
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,316
Total After Financial Aid
$82,316
Annual Cost
$20,579
Annual After Aid
$20,579
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,316 |
| Monthly Payment | $935 |
| Total Interest | $29,846 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,162 |
Universities in Key West
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Key West State University | Public | $6,393 |
| Key West Community College | Community | $5,440 |
Key West has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Key West vs. National Average
| Category | Key West | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,212 | $1,050 | +$162 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.1 | 100 | -7.900000000000006 |
Key West'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 Key West
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,200 students
Key West has a total population of 25,478, with approximately 3,200 college students (12.6% of the population). Key West has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Key West
$31,188
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Key West earn a median starting salary of $31,188, which is -$3,812 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,316 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,800 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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