4 Inexpensive Colleges in Florida for Out of State Students

4 Inexpensive Colleges in Florida for Out of State Students
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Inexpensive colleges in Florida help students to lower expenses on the commute, accommodation, and traditional textbooks.
  • Choose a college that offers scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
  • It is important to complete the FAFSA application as early as possible to take advantage of federal financial aid.

Inexpensive Colleges in Florida

Sort by:
  1. Florida State University
  2. University of Central Florida
  3. Florida Atlantic University
  4. University of West Florida
  1. Florida State University
  2. University of Central Florida
  3. Florida Atlantic University
  4. University of West Florida
  1. Florida Atlantic University 81%
  2. University of West Florida 48%
  3. University of Central Florida 41%
  4. Florida State University 25%
  1. University of Central Florida 29 to 1
  2. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  3. University of West Florida 22 to 1
  4. Florida State University 17 to 1
  1. Florida State University $4,640
  2. University of Central Florida $4,478
  3. University of West Florida $3,735
  4. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  1. Florida State University $9,684
  2. University of West Florida $7,088
  3. University of Central Florida $6,916
  4. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  1. University of West Florida
  2. Florida Atlantic University
  3. University of Central Florida
  4. Florida State University
  1. University of West Florida
  2. Florida Atlantic University
  3. University of Central Florida
  4. Florida State University
  1. Florida State University 25%
  2. University of Central Florida 41%
  3. University of West Florida 48%
  4. Florida Atlantic University 81%
  1. Florida State University 17 to 1
  2. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  3. University of West Florida 22 to 1
  4. University of Central Florida 29 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. University of West Florida $3,735
  3. University of Central Florida $4,478
  4. Florida State University $4,640
  1. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  2. University of Central Florida $6,916
  3. University of West Florida $7,088
  4. Florida State University $9,684

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In our 2025 ranking update of the most inexpensive and best colleges in Florida for out of state students, Florida State University and the University of Central Florida switched ranking positions.

Out of state tuition can put college out of reach for many prospective students. However, Florida offers affordable options for out of state learners looking to enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches while earning their degree.

We spotlight the Sunshine State’s most cost-effective colleges and universities. By choosing an economical Florida school focused on delivering a high quality education at a fraction of the price, you can graduate with lower debt and great career preparation.

Woman holding folders and books

Top Cheap Colleges in Florida for Out-of-State Students

Finding the proper college that doesn’t cost a fortune is a game-changer. We’re sharing the top choices for budget-friendly colleges in Florida.

  1. #1

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Now, let’s talk about Florida State University, a place where academic excellence meets financial sensibility. Nestled in Tallahassee, this institution has competitive programs designed to sharpen your skills and broaden your horizons.

    FSU offers a wide range of academic programs, with 282 degree options spanning bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and professional levels.

    FSU provides various opportunities for students to explore and commit to majors, offering programs like Degree in Three, Double Major, Dual Degree, and Combined Degree. The university emphasizes the importance of connecting academic studies with career opportunities and provides numerous resources for career exploration.

    Key Features

    • Competitive Programs: From liberal arts to sciences, the curriculum contains 280+ academic and professional degrees from which their students can choose.
    • Financial Aid Options: Understanding the financial side of education, FSU provides a range of aid options. Additionally, to help you find the scholarships you may apply for, they have built a website called Find Scholarships for You (FS4U).
    • Tuition Fees: The annual out-of-state tuition fee for Florida State University is approximately $21,683 for the 2023-2024 academic year, which translates to around $7,227 per 12-credit-hour semester for undergraduate students.

    Florida State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety and Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Central Florida is not only affordable, but it has a diverse range of programs you can choose to study from as well. Nestled in Orlando, this Florida university has over 100 bachelor’s degrees, over 90 affordable master’s degrees, and several doctoral degrees to select from. Plus, if you prefer to study online, they have more than 100 inexpensive online programs in Florida.

    The university’s academic strengths are diverse, with top undergraduate disciplines including business management and administration, health professions, psychology, engineering, and computer and information science.

    UCF is also renowned for its graduate programs, with its graduate game design program and emergency and crisis management graduate program ranking highly nationally. The university’s online undergraduate programs are also among the best in the nation.

    Key Features

    • Diverse Programs: With a menu of majors covering everything from the arts to the sciences, you’re bound to find your academic match.
    • Tuition Fee: The tuition and fees for the academic year are $22,467 for out-of-state students. The cost per credit hour is $748.89 for out-of-state undergraduates.

    University of Central Florida’s Online Degrees

    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Restaurant and Foodservice Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Senior Living Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Education And Industry Training
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication And Conflict
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Diversity Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Literature
    • Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in Integrative General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International And Global Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Latin American Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion And Cultural Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Informatics And Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    3. Exterior shot of a school
  3. #3

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university with its main campus located in Boca Raton, Florida. It is a comprehensive institution that offers a broad spectrum of academic programs across its various campuses.

    FAU is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and serves more than 30,000 students. The university offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. FAU has a diverse range of academic offerings, including programs in anthropology, artificial intelligence, architecture, engineering, business, and computer science.

    The average class sizes at FAU are conducive to personalized learning, with an average lecture class size of 39, lab class size of 20, and discussion class size of 30. The student-to-faculty ratio is 24:1, ensuring that students receive adequate attention and support from faculty.

    Key Features

    • Notable Academic Reputation: FAU stands tall with a diverse offering of over 180 degree programs.
    • Available Scholarships: FAU values its students and invests in their future. The availability of scholarships offered by the College of Business (COB) eases the financial burden, making quality education more accessible.
    • Tuition Fees: Florida Atlantic University costs $203/credit hour. The annual tuition fee for FAU hovers around $22,856. Considering the academic reputation and available scholarships, this investment in education can pave the way for a promising future.

    Florida Atlantic University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Leadership And Applied Managerial Skills
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Bachelor Of Public Safety Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geosciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  5. #4

    University of West Florida

    Pensacola , FL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2024 #11 Best Online Master's in English 2025 #11 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Florida

    Cost of Degree: $5,776
    Expenses: $17,056
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of West Florida is a public university in Pensacola. It is part of the State University System of Florida and spans a main campus of 1,600 acres, featuring rolling hills and natural woodlands along the Escambia River, about ten miles north of downtown Pensacola.

    Renowned for its status as a research university, this institution offers various popular majors, including mass communication, special education health sciences teaching, and business administration and management.

    UWF is known for providing personalized attention to students with small class sizes and a favorable student-teacher ratio, thus combining the resources of a large university with the benefits of a smaller, more intimate learning environment.

    Key Features

    • Diverse Majors: The University of West Florida caters to various interests with its popular majors. Whether you’re inclined towards mass communication, special education, health sciences, teaching, or business administration and management, this university has something for everyone.
    • Research University: With a reputation as a research university, UWF provides an environment encouraging exploration and in-depth knowledge learning.
    • Tuition Fees: The cost per credit hour for out-of-state college students at the University of West Florida is $641.37 for undergraduate students and $1,037.24 for graduate students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    University of West Florida’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Exceptional Student
    • Required Credits: 132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Instructional Design And Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Community Education Specialization
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Maritime Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
Group of students laughing and walking together on school grounds Back to Top

Tips for Choosing a Cheap Institute in Florida

Here are some practical considerations when it comes to selecting an affordable institute in the Sunshine State.

  • Consider the full picture: Look beyond the tuition fees. Consider all study-related expenses, including books, food, and residence costs. This holistic approach ensures you’re aware of the complete financial commitment.
  • Location matters: Opt for a university close to your residence. This reduces transportation costs and provides a sense of familiarity and convenience.
  • Unlock scholarships and financial aid: Explore the various financial support options available. Choose institutes that actively offer scholarships, grants, and work opportunities. Many universities provide work-study programs or brand ambassador roles to assist students financially.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cheapest college in Florida?

Florida State University is one of the cheapest colleges in Florida, with a budget-friendly annual tuition fee of approximately $21,683 for out of state students. University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University are also very comparable in tuition rates.

How much does it cost to go to college in Florida for out-of-state residents?

Out-of-state tuition often comes at a higher cost than in-state tuition. The average out-of-state tuition and fees in Florida amount to $18,322 for a public 4-year degree and $28,860 for a private 4-year degree.

Do Florida residents go to state college for free?

While Florida doesn’t offer free tuition to in-state residents, their tuition is significantly less compared to non-Florida residents. To attend a public 4-year school, in-state FL residents typically pay less than $5,000 each year.

Conclusion

With one of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation and numerous cost-saving state scholarship opportunities, Florida offers affordable college options even for non-resident students on a budget.

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