College Costs in Sarasota, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Sarasota, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,916
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$29,905
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$695
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Sarasota Overview
Population
57,738
Student Population
3,993 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
100 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Sarasota
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$77,412
Total After Financial Aid
$77,412
Annual Cost
$19,353
Annual After Aid
$19,353
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $77,412 |
| Monthly Payment | $879 |
| Total Interest | $28,068 |
| Total Loan Cost | $105,480 |
Universities in Sarasota
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New College of Florida | Public | $6,916 |
| State College of Florida | Community | $3,120 |
Sarasota has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sarasota vs. National Average
| Category | Sarasota | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,916 | $10,940 | -$4,024 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $695 | $1,050 | -$355 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 | 0 |
Sarasota's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Sarasota
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,993 students
Sarasota has a total population of 57,738, with approximately 3,993 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Sarasota offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sarasota
$42,599
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sarasota earn a median starting salary of $42,599, which is $7,599 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $77,412 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,887 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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26 colleges · Avg tuition $5,955
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,405
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,805
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,381
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Fort Myers
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,118
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