College Costs in Palm Bay, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Palm Bay, 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
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Palm Bay Overview
Population
120,568
Student Population
6,214 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
95.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Palm Bay
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$78,784
Total After Financial Aid
$78,784
Annual Cost
$19,696
Annual After Aid
$19,696
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $78,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $895 |
| Total Interest | $28,565 |
| Total Loan Cost | $107,349 |
Universities in Palm Bay
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Bay State University | Public | $6,659 |
| University of Palm Bay | Public | $6,348 |
| Palm Bay Community College | Community | $5,654 |
Palm Bay has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Palm Bay vs. National Average
| Category | Palm Bay | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.8 | 100 | -4.200000000000003 |
Palm Bay's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Palm Bay
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,214 students
Palm Bay has a total population of 120,568, with approximately 6,214 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Palm Bay offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Palm Bay
$27,345
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Palm Bay earn a median starting salary of $27,345, which is -$7,655 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $78,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,350 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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