College Cost Planning in St. Petersburg, FL 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for St. Petersburg, Florida. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats St. Petersburg 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$10,405
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,010
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,002
per month
Local Cost Market
22
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in St. Petersburg
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
22
Public tuition
$10,405
Private tuition
$48,010
Community college
$3,120
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
~9.3 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 9.3 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,802 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for St. Petersburg
How we compile St. Petersburg 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for St. Petersburg institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: St. Petersburg's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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 St. Petersburg, FL?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in St. Petersburg is $10,405. Private university tuition averages $48,010, and community college tuition averages $3,120. When room and board ($9,763/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $20,168.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for St. Petersburg, FL?
St. Petersburg uses approximately 22 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 17,306, which represents 6.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in St. Petersburg?
The average rent near college campuses in St. Petersburg is approximately $1,002 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 97 (national average is 100), a walk score of 63, and a public transit score of 41. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in St. Petersburg?
College graduates in St. Petersburg earn a median starting salary of $43,714. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%. With an average financial aid package of $8,802 per student and a 48% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in St. Petersburg, FL?
With a median starting salary of $43,714 and an average 4-year public university cost of $80,672 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 9.3 years. The 48% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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