College Costs in Panama City, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Panama City, 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
$1,032
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Panama City Overview
Population
37,265
Student Population
1,918 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
93.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Panama City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,676
Total After Financial Aid
$80,676
Annual Cost
$20,169
Annual After Aid
$20,169
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,676 |
| Monthly Payment | $916 |
| Total Interest | $29,251 |
| Total Loan Cost | $109,927 |
Universities in Panama City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City State University | Public | $6,096 |
| Panama City Community College | Community | $5,173 |
Panama City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Panama City vs. National Average
| Category | Panama City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,032 | $1,050 | -$18 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.3 | 100 | -6.700000000000003 |
Panama City'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 Panama City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,918 students
Panama City has a total population of 37,265, with approximately 1,918 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Panama City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Panama City
$35,419
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~193 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Panama City earn a median starting salary of $35,419, which is $419 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,676 (including room and board), it would take approximately 193 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,403 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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