College Costs in Tampa, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 26 colleges in Tampa, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$5,955
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$31,226
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,012
per month
Colleges & Universities
26
institutions
Tampa Overview
Population
384,959
Student Population
30,905 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
101 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Tampa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$60,596
Total After Financial Aid
$60,596
Annual Cost
$15,149
Annual After Aid
$15,149
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $60,596 |
| Monthly Payment | $688 |
| Total Interest | $21,971 |
| Total Loan Cost | $82,567 |
Universities in Tampa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | Public | $6,410 |
| University of Tampa | Private | $31,226 |
| Tampa General Hospital | Public | $5,500 |
| Hillsborough Community College | Community | $3,120 |
Tampa has 26 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tampa vs. National Average
| Category | Tampa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $5,955 | $10,940 | -$4,985 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,012 | $1,050 | -$38 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 100 | +1 |
Tampa's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Tampa
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
30,905 students
Tampa has a total population of 384,959, with approximately 30,905 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Tampa offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tampa
$41,086
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tampa earn a median starting salary of $41,086, which is $6,086 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $60,596 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,836 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
Orlando
16 colleges · Avg tuition $6,368
St. Petersburg
22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,405
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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