College Costs in Melbourne, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Melbourne, 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
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Melbourne Overview
Population
85,285
Student Population
4,859 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
98.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Melbourne
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$79,040
Total After Financial Aid
$79,040
Annual Cost
$19,760
Annual After Aid
$19,760
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $79,040 |
| Monthly Payment | $897 |
| Total Interest | $28,658 |
| Total Loan Cost | $107,698 |
Universities in Melbourne
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne State University | Public | $6,084 |
| Melbourne Community College | Community | $5,492 |
Melbourne has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Melbourne vs. National Average
| Category | Melbourne | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5 |
Melbourne's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Melbourne
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,859 students
Melbourne has a total population of 85,285, with approximately 4,859 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Melbourne offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Melbourne
$26,607
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Melbourne earn a median starting salary of $26,607, which is -$8,393 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $79,040 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,512 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
Fort Lauderdale
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,805
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
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