Florida, renowned for its sunny beaches and vibrant culture, also offers a compelling destination for international students seeking affordable higher education. With a state average tuition of $6,360—well below the national average of $9,596 (NCES, 2021-2022)—Florida hosts some of the most cost-effective colleges in the U.S.
For international students, institutions like the University of Florida charge approximately $28,658 annually in tuition and fees (UF International Center, 2023), while Florida International University offers rates around $18,429 (FIU, 2023). According to the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS data (2018-2019), Florida’s public universities provide quality education at competitive prices, with 75% of undergraduates graduating debt-free (State University System of Florida, 2020-2021).
This affordability and academic excellence make Florida a standout choice. In this article, we explore the cheapest colleges in Florida for international students, backed by empirical data.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Florida’s Cheapest College?
The state average tuition for studying at a Florida college is $6,360, falling well below the national average.
20 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida
- Florida International University
- Florida State University
- University of Florida
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of South Florida
- Florida gulf coast University
- University of North Florida
- New college of Florida
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- University of central Florida
- University of Fort Lauderdale
- Gulf coast state college
- Indian River State College
- Florida State college at Jacksonville
- Daytona state college
- Carlos Albizu University, Miami
- Everglades University
- Ave Maria University
- Hodges University
- Bethune- Cookman University
#1. Florida International University
Florida International University, FIU is a research university that is open to the public. The school has two campuses, Biscayne Bay and Maidique, with a total enrollment of 54,000 students.
FIU offers over 100 low-cost undergraduate programs across its division. The school ranks among the cheapest colleges for international students in Florida.
#2. Florida State University
Florida State University is a public research university with a focus on the sea and space. It is also a senior member of Florida’s State University System. It was founded in 1851.
Additionally, FSU has a reputation for providing high-quality, low-cost undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the most affordable colleges for international students.
#3. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a research university with space, marine, and land grants. UF is a senior member of Florida’s State University System and the state’s only Association of American Universities member university, having been founded in 1853.
Besides, the university offers 200 graduate programs, 100 undergraduate majors, and also awards 30 certificates.
#4. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University is a public university that is part of the Florida State University System.
FAU, the first public school of higher learning in southeast Florida, has ten colleges that offer more than 170 low-cost undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is one of the cheapest colleges for international students in Florida. The school has roughly 30,000 students enrolled.
#5. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a part of the State University System of Florida and is a public research university. USF is the state’s fourth-largest public institution of higher learning.
There are 14 colleges that make up the institution. Students at the specialist, master’s, and doctorate levels can pick from 180 inexpensive undergraduate majors and degree programs. It also made the list of the cheapest colleges in Florida for foreign students.
#6. Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university with a space grant program. It is a member of the State University of Florida’s 12-school system.
Over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend FGCU, which offers nearly 100 academic degree programs.
#7. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida is a public university that is part of the Florida State University System. UNF is regarded as one of the best bargain colleges in the United States.
The school provides a number of merit-based scholarships to help defray the costs of an already low tuition rate. Therefore, it is one of the most affordable colleges in Florida.
#8. New College of Florida
The New College of Florida is a public liberal arts honors college located in Gainesville, Florida. Although it began as a private institution, it is now a self-contained member of the Florida State University System.
This university offers 35 undergraduate degrees in multidisciplinary subjects, including:
- The natural science
- The social science
- The humanities.
#9. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
It is certified to provide more than 9,500 students with inexpensive undergraduate and graduate degrees each year. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University provides over 60 bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields.
Undergraduate majors in psychology, journalism, and architecture are among the most popular. On campus, the school also has a number of centers and institutions that promote issues such as environmental justice and equity, as well as international agricultural development and commerce. Furthermore, The health and agricultural sciences are heavily researched.
#10. University of central Florida
The objective was to train workers to support Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center’s expanding space program. It has grown to become the country’s largest institution of higher learning, with over 68,500 students enrolled each year.
UCF offers more than 200 inexpensive degrees through its 13 colleges and 10 regional sites. This is one of the cheapest colleges for foreign students in Florida.
#11. University of Fort Lauderdale
The institution was founded with the objective of improving Christian education and encouraging non-secular and secular leadership. UFL is made up of the College of Business Leadership, Religious Studies, and Liberal Studies.
#12. Gulf Coast State College
Gulf Coast State College is a community college that was founded in 1957. GCSC is a member of the Florida College System and was founded as Gulf Coast Community College.
Also, More than 150 affordable programs, including bachelor’s degrees, are available. Therefore, it is one of the most affordable colleges for international students in Florida.
#13. Indian River State College
Indian Rivers State College offers a variety of low-cost career training programs as well as more than 100 study areas that lead to:
- Applied technology diploma
- Technical certificate
- Associate degrees
- Bachelors degree
#14. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College offers affordable bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields. Every year, about 50,000 students are enrolled.
Online and on-campus programs are available. Therefore, FSC is dedicated to assisting students in lowering, managing, and meeting their educational costs through a range of payment and financing alternatives. This institution is one of the cheapest colleges for international students in Florida.
#15. Daytona state college
Each year, more than 16,500 students benefit from its low-cost degrees. It integrates cutting-edge teaching methods that maximize the likelihood of student achievement.
Non-traditional, adult, and working students can get a bachelor’s degree through flexible distance learning courses through affordable online programs.
The Florida College System has Daytona State College as a member institution. It’s made up of
- College of health and public services
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Continuing and adult eeducation
- College of business, engineering and technology
- College of workforce
#16. Carlos Albizu University, Miami
Carlos Albizu Institution-Miami is a private, nonprofit university founded in 1966. At its San Juan campus, it also offers programs in speech/language therapy and psychology.
Students appreciate the small class sizes and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable instructors. Also, More than 75% of the school’s students are eligible for financial aid in the form of on-campus jobs, loans, or grants, according to the institution.
Due to CAU’s location in Miami and its network of external practicum sites, students have plenty of possibilities for hands-on experience. Similarly, CAU provides students with the convenience and flexibility of online, night, evening, afternoon, and morning sessions.
Furthermore, it was the Caribbean’s and North America’s first professional psychology school. CAU-Miami provides low-cost undergraduate and graduate programs in the following fields:
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
#17. Everglades University
Everglades University, previously the American Flyers College, is a nonprofit, private university founded in 1999. It offers both online and on-campus undergraduate and also offer graduate degrees at a low cost.
Each year, the school enrolls approximately 1,500 students. Therefore, Small class numbers, innovative academic programs, and chances for research and experiential learning are all available at Everglades University.
Its goal is to provide adult learners with opportunities for personal improvement in a collaborative setting.
The university makes the list of some of the cheapest colleges in Florida. Also, it offers a variety of distinctive undergraduate degrees, including:
- Alternative medicine
- Alternative and renewable energy management
- construction management
- aviation/aerospace
- crisis and disaster management
- land and energy management
- surveying management
- environmental policy
#18. Ave Maria University
Ave Maria University is a private Catholic university committed to educating and mentoring faithful mentors, leaders, and educators. It has one of the state’s best classical liberal arts courses.
It also offers a wide range of specialized study options in the humanities and sciences. Each year, the school enrolls 1,100 pupils. However, It has about 85 percent of Catholic students.
There are 34 majors and 24 minors available to students, including low-cost programs in:
- psychology
- nursing
- marine biology
- healthcare management
- Christian and early Christian literature
- Catholic studies
- Exercises physiology
- Business administration
#19. Hodges University
Hodges University is a private higher education school. Each year, it enrolls over 1,600 students. Hodges provides:
- accelerated schedules
- customized educational pathways
- hybrid educational course
Students can attend classes either online or on campus, or a mix of the two. Similarly, Students can choose from a variety of affordable bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields, including:
- software development
- cybersecurity and networking,
- computer information technology
- accounting
- business administration
- marketing
- nursing
- health services administration
- health sciences
#20. Bethune- Cookman University
Bethune-Cookman University is a historically black college. It was founded in 1904. The University is also one of the cheapest colleges for international students in Florida.
Undergraduate and graduate programs are available on campus and completely online. Additionally, They are available through:
- College of Business and Entrepreneurship
- College of Education
- School of Hospitality Management
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Liberal Arts
- School of Nursing
- gerontology
- School of Performing Arts and Communication
- School of Religion
- College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- psychology
- business administration and management
- corrections and criminal justice,
- the liberal arts and sciences.
List Of Some Of The Cheapest Colleges In Florida With Dormitory
- Florida Atlantic University
- Carlos Albizu University of Miami
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Keiser University
- Johnson University
- Warner University
- New College of Florida
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- University of Miami
- University of Florida
- Florida International University
- Florida State University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Miami
Reasons why foreign students consider Florida as a study abroad destination
Therefore, below are some of the reasons why foreign students consider Florida when searching for some of the cheapest colleges for international students.
- Bouyant and Flourishing Economy
- Access To International Trade
- Agricultural Growth
- Cultural Diversity
- Affordable College Tuition
Bouyant and Flourishing Economy
Florida colleges and universities benefit from a thriving, diverse economy as the country’s fourth most populous state and one that is rapidly expanding. Many of these topics are also related to Florida’s economy, which places a heavy emphasis on tourism, international trade, and agriculture, to mention a few.
Also, With over 600 miles of beaches, world-class attractions, and seaports, as well as a reasonably long history for the United States dating back to 1513, it’s no surprise that Florida’s tourist economy supports 76 million people each year.
This translates to programs and internships in hospitality, business management, or even a culinary internship aboard a cruise ship for international students in Florida.
Access To International Trade
Due to Florida’s location on the southeastern tip of the United States, foreign trade has become a major focus of the state, with the state trading around $128 billion worth of goods each year. In reality, the state accounts for 40% of all US exports to Latin America.
Many institutions in Florida have launched programs focused on international trade, sailing, international business, and other topics as a result of the state’s growing emphasis on foreign trade.
Furthermore, This international environment has also evolved into the liberal arts, with international students studying in Florida having access to language and humanities studies that provide the educational foundation needed to be a member of the global community.
Agricultural Growth
Florida is regarded as the “Sunshine State” for a reason, whether you’re looking at it from an international or local perspective. Therefore, Over time, all that sun has enhanced agricultural output and growth.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state produces oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, sugarcane for sugar and seed, squash, watermelons, sweet corn, fresh-market snap beans, fresh-market tomatoes, and fresh-market cucumbers on over 47,500 commercial farms spanning 9.25 million acres. Students will have access to fresh, locally grown food while studying in Florida.
Cultural Diversity
Florida offers a sociable and diverse environment to explore outside of the classroom. Many large institutions, including those in Jacksonville, Miami, Tallahassee, and Gainesville, offer the campus experience.
The state also has a varied population, with 19% of the population born outside of the United States and 26% of the population speaking a language other than English at home.
International students will truly understand the meaning of the United States’ melting pot with this international background, as Florida is home to many people from all over the world.
Affordable College Tuition
In addition, Florida has among the most consistently low tuition rates in the country. It also has the cheapest colleges with very affordable tuition costs in the state. Florida ranks 45th out of 50 states, making it a very affordable place to learn. While low tuition is desirable, it is simply one aspect of Florida’s long-term commitment to higher education.
FAQs
Are there jobs for students in Florida?
Yes, however, Only students in excellent academic standing who maintain their non-immigrant status are eligible for employment.
Can I work and study in Florida?
Some forms of career opportunities are available to international students.
What are some of the cheapest colleges in Florida?
- Florida International University
- Florida State University
- University of Florida
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of South Florida
Are colleges in Florida cheap for international students?
Many colleges and universities in Florida will appeal to international students looking for cheapest colleges. While in-state students benefit the most from the reduced fees, out-of-state and international students can also benefit.
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