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Public schools in Florida

Florida has 40 public colleges and universities in two separate systems. The State University System of Florida consists of twelve four-year public universities, including Florida International University, Florida State University, and University of Florida.

The Florida College System has 28 public two-year and four-year colleges, with 73 campuses throughout the state. FCS system schools include Miami Dade and Florida State College at Jacksonville, as well as many community colleges. Sixty-five percent of FL's high school graduates start their college journey at an FCS school.

Private Schools in Florida

There are 122 private colleges and universities in Florida. Private colleges in FL include the University of Miami in Coral Gables, University of Tampa, and Rollins College in Winter Park.

Community Colleges in Florida

There are 28 community colleges in Florida. In 2020, the state passed the Sunshine Scholarship bill. The bill made community college and technical schools free for state-residents students an income under $50k.

There's one catch: students have to work Florida for at least as many years as they received college funding. A student who took two years to complete and associate's degree who have to work in Florida for two years after graduation.

Average Tuition in Florida

In-state tuition in Florida

Florida's average in-state tuition is lower than the national average. In 2020-2021, the average in-state tuition across all Florida's public schools was $3,767 a semester.

In 2020-2021, tuition for a Florida resident to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) was $20,720 year.
At Florida Atlantic University (FAU), in-state tuition is around $19,000 a year.

Average Out-of-State Tuition in Florida

In 2020-2021, the average out-of-state tuition across all Florida's public schools was $13,865 a semester.
Tuition for a non-Florida resident to attend FGCU was $39,785 a year.
Out-of-state tuition FAU, is around $32,000 a year.

Average Private College Tuition in Florida

The average cost of a private college in Florida is $19,003 a semester.

Considering Florida Colleges?

Search Florida colleges by size, selectivity, and more. Join the conversation in the CC Florida College forums, research top schools in the state, and find the best FL school for you.

Real questions and advice from the CC Community:

I want to go to a party school that has good academics. My unweighted GPA is 3.6 and my weighted is 4.00. My act score is 28 and I’m in the top 25% at my school.

Top Answer:

University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa is a full-time party school. For a smaller, more refined social atmosphere, consider Rollins College in the Orlando (Winter Park) area. But you will have to study.

Flagler College in St. Augustine has a fun, social atmosphere and good academics.

See more responses in the CC forums about choosing a college in FL.