College Costs in St. Petersburg, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 22 colleges in St. Petersburg, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,405
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,010
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,002
per month
Colleges & Universities
22
institutions
St. Petersburg Overview
Population
258,308
Student Population
17,306 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
97 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
41/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for St. Petersburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,672
Total After Financial Aid
$80,672
Annual Cost
$20,168
Annual After Aid
$20,168
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,672 |
| Monthly Payment | $916 |
| Total Interest | $29,250 |
| Total Loan Cost | $109,922 |
Universities in St. Petersburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Eckerd College | Private | $48,010 |
| St. Petersburg College | Community | $3,120 |
St. Petersburg has 22 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
| Category | St. Petersburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,405 | $10,940 | -$535 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,002 | $1,050 | -$48 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 100 | -3 |
St. Petersburg's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in St. Petersburg
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
17,306 students
St. Petersburg has a total population of 258,308, with approximately 17,306 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, St. Petersburg offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in St. Petersburg
$43,714
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in St. Petersburg earn a median starting salary of $43,714, which is $8,714 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,672 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,802 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Florida
Jacksonville
35 colleges · Avg tuition $6,394
Miami
12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,556
Tampa
26 colleges · Avg tuition $5,955
Orlando
16 colleges · Avg tuition $6,368
Hialeah
22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,711
Tallahassee
11 colleges · Avg tuition $6,151
Fort Lauderdale
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,805
Gainesville
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,381
West Palm Beach
6 colleges · Avg tuition $7,844
Clearwater
9 colleges · Avg tuition $8,444
Fort Myers
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,118
Sarasota
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,916
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