College Costs in Winter Haven, FL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Winter Haven, Florida. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,053
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Winter Haven Overview
Population
48,437
Student Population
3,107 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
102.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Winter Haven
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,332
Total After Financial Aid
$82,332
Annual Cost
$20,583
Annual After Aid
$20,583
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,332 |
| Monthly Payment | $935 |
| Total Interest | $29,852 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,184 |
Universities in Winter Haven
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Haven State University | Public | $6,493 |
| Winter Haven Community College | Community | $5,680 |
Winter Haven has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Winter Haven vs. National Average
| Category | Winter Haven | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,400 | $10,940 | -$4,540 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,053 | $1,050 | +$3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.8 | 100 | +2.799999999999997 |
Winter Haven's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Winter Haven
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,107 students
Winter Haven has a total population of 48,437, with approximately 3,107 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Winter Haven offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Winter Haven
$33,359
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Winter Haven earn a median starting salary of $33,359, which is -$1,641 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,332 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,619 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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