College Costs in West Palm Beach, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in West Palm Beach, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,844
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,400
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,114
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
West Palm Beach Overview
Population
117,415
Student Population
10,247 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
93 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
41/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for West Palm Beach
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,656
Total After Financial Aid
$87,656
Annual Cost
$21,914
Annual After Aid
$21,914
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $995 |
| Total Interest | $31,782 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,438 |
Universities in West Palm Beach
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | Private | $35,400 |
| Palm Beach State College | Community | $3,120 |
West Palm Beach has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Palm Beach vs. National Average
| Category | West Palm Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,844 | $10,940 | -$3,096 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,114 | $1,050 | +$64 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 100 | -7 |
West Palm Beach's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in West Palm Beach
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
10,247 students
West Palm Beach has a total population of 117,415, with approximately 10,247 college students (8.7% of the population). West Palm Beach has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Palm Beach
$47,769
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Palm Beach earn a median starting salary of $47,769, which is $12,769 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,670 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,556
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26 colleges · Avg tuition $5,955
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $6,368
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,405
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $10,711
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Fort Lauderdale
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
Sarasota
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,916
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