Florida Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
Florida College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across Florida institutions.
Top Florida Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | Public 4-yr | $6,380 | $28,658 | 34,500 |
| Florida State University | Public 4-yr | $5,656 | $18,786 | 32,700 |
| University of Central Florida | Public 4-yr | $6,368 | $22,467 | 58,700 |
| University of South Florida | Public 4-yr | $6,410 | $17,325 | 38,200 |
| Florida International University | Public 4-yr | $6,565 | $18,963 | 47,300 |
| Florida A&M University | Public 4-yr | $5,785 | $17,725 | 9,100 |
| University of Miami | Private | $59,926 | $59,926 | 12,200 |
| Rollins College | Private | $58,520 | $58,520 | 2,500 |
| Miami Dade College | Community | $3,000 | $9,661 | 47,000 |
Florida State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) within the Florida Department of Education.
Bright Futures Scholarship
Three award levels (Academic Scholars, Medallion Scholars, Gold Seal) based on GPA and test scores. Academic Scholars covers 100% tuition.
Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant
For FL residents attending eligible private FL colleges.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
Need-based grant for FL residents at public or private FL institutions. Three variants (public, private, CC).
Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship
For FL residents attending eligible FL historically black colleges and universities.
Benacquisto Scholarship
Full cost of attendance at FL public universities for National Merit Scholars who become FL residents.
Student Loan Options for Florida Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does Florida have a state student loan program?
No. Florida does not run a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do — including MEFA (Massachusetts), RISLA (Rhode Island), Minnesota SELF, the Bank of North Dakota DEAL Student Loan, VSAC (Vermont), CHESLA (Connecticut), NJCLASS (New Jersey), ISL Education Lending (Iowa), NHHEAF/Granite State (New Hampshire), FAME (Maine), and Kentucky's Advantage Education Loan. These programs often price below major private banks. Florida residents should lean on federal loans first, then compare private lenders directly.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, Florida state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
One form, prequalified offers from multiple private lenders. Shop rates without multiple hard credit pulls.
Compare Rates at Credible →College Ave
Flexible term lengths, no application or origination fees, and fast decisions.
Get A Quote At College Ave →Sallie Mae
Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions for Florida students and families.
How much does college cost in Florida?
Average in-state tuition and fees at Florida public four-year universities is about $6,400 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $21,500 on campus for Florida residents and $35,200 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in Florida?
Florida borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $39,500. Total outstanding federal student debt for Florida residents is approximately $104.6 billion.
Does Florida offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship is one of the most generous in the U.S., covering up to 100% tuition at public schools for top merit students. Florida also offers EASE (private college grant), FSAG (need-based), and Benacquisto (full ride for National Merit Scholars).
Does Florida have a state student loan program?
No. Florida does not operate a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do, including Massachusetts (MEFA), Rhode Island (RISLA), Minnesota (SELF), North Dakota (DEAL), and Kentucky (Advantage Education Loan). Florida residents should start with federal student loans through the FAFSA and compare private lenders for any remaining gap financing.
Which Florida colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
Florida College System schools average $3,000 per year, among the lowest in the nation. Among four-year publics, FSU is lowest at $5,656, followed by FAMU. The University of Miami is highest at $59,926.
What scholarships are available for Florida residents?
Key awards include Bright Futures, EASE Grant, FSAG, Bethune Scholarship, and Benacquisto. The University of Miami offers strong institutional aid, and Rollins offers substantial merit scholarships.
Related Florida Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at Florida public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- Florida OSFA program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Claire Tak