College Costs in Ocala, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Ocala, 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
$1,095
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Ocala Overview
Population
65,919
Student Population
3,786 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
94.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Ocala
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$81,472
Total After Financial Aid
$81,472
Annual Cost
$20,368
Annual After Aid
$20,368
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $81,472 |
| Monthly Payment | $925 |
| Total Interest | $29,540 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,012 |
Universities in Ocala
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ocala State University | Public | $5,885 |
| Ocala Community College | Community | $5,035 |
Ocala has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ocala vs. National Average
| Category | Ocala | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,095 | $1,050 | +$45 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.4 | 100 | -5.599999999999994 |
Ocala'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 Ocala
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,786 students
Ocala has a total population of 65,919, with approximately 3,786 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Ocala offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ocala
$38,091
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~26 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ocala earn a median starting salary of $38,091, which is $3,091 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $81,472 (including room and board), it would take approximately 26 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,533 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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