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College Cost Planning in South Daytona, FL 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for South Daytona, Florida. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats South Daytona as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$6,400

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$30,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$1,176

per month

Local Cost Market

1

benchmark points

South Daytona Overview

Population

13,199

Student Population

2,183 (16.5%)

Cost of Living Index

99.4 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

48/100

Transit Score

16/100

Unemployment Rate

2.5%

College Cost Calculator for South Daytona

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$84,508

Total After Financial Aid

$84,508

Annual Cost

$21,127

Annual After Aid

$21,127

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$25,600
Room & Board$58,908

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$84,508
Monthly Payment$960
Total Interest$30,641
Total Loan Cost$115,149

Education Cost Benchmarks in South Daytona

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

1

Public tuition

$6,400

Private tuition

$30,000

Community college

$5,876

Cost of Living in South Daytona vs. National Average

CategorySouth DaytonaNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$6,400$10,940-$4,540
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,176$1,050+$126
Cost of Living Index99.4100-0.5999999999999943

South Daytona's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in South Daytona

48

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

16

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

16.5%

Student Population

2,183 students

South Daytona has a total population of 13,199, with approximately 2,183 college students (16.5% of the population). As a major college town, South Daytona offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in South Daytona

$32,441

Starting Salary

2.5%

Unemployment Rate

56%

Graduation Rate

Review

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in South Daytona earn a median starting salary of $32,441, which is $2,559 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $10,995 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Florida

Methodology & Education Data Sources for South Daytona

How we compile South Daytona college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for South Daytona institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: South Daytona's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in South Daytona, FL?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in South Daytona is $6,400. Private university tuition averages $30,000, and community college tuition averages $5,876. When room and board ($14,727/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $21,127.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for South Daytona, FL?

South Daytona uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,183, which represents 16.5% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in South Daytona?

The average rent near college campuses in South Daytona is approximately $1,176 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 99.4 (national average is 100), a walk score of 48, and a public transit score of 16. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in South Daytona?

College graduates in South Daytona earn a median starting salary of $32,441. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%. With an average financial aid package of $10,995 per student and a 56% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in South Daytona, FL?

With a median starting salary of $32,441 and an average 4-year public university cost of $84,508 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.

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