21 Cheapest Universities In Florida for International Students 

Studying in Florida as an international student could be quite expensive, but here is the good news; there are cheap universities in Florida for international students.

Mentioning the word “Florida” likely brings up thoughts of theme parks, sandy beaches, cruise ships, and retirement communities – and it’s certainly true that Florida holds a lot of fantasies for just one state.

However, Florida also excels in college education, and students who want warm weather, southern charm, and quality academics all in one place may find their answer here.

When starting your school search, narrowing down the location is just one part of your decision. It can be complicated to determine the perfect mix of qualities that will make your college experience an unforgettable one.

What are the Best Schools in Florida?

Florida has several colleges and universities, including the largest aviation academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Top colleges are spread in Florida and cities such as Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Tallahassee.

According to the US News rankings, the best colleges in Florida include;

• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• Florida State University
• University of South Florida
• University of Central Florida
• Florida International University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Nova Southeastern University
• Florida A&M University

What is the cheapest university in Florida?

According to CollegeCalc, leading the colleges list is Gulf Coast State College in Panama City with an in-state tuition of $1,750.

What are the Cheapest Colleges in the US with In-State Tuition?

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s 2018-2019 IPEDS Survey, these are the cheapest schools in the US by in-state tuition. The table below distills the reported costs for the 2018-2019 academic year.

In-State Tuition	College	Rating	$Value
$1,750 In State Tuition	1) Gulf Coast State College Panama City, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,872 In State Tuition	2) Santa Fe College Gainesville, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,910 In State Tuition	3) College of Central Florida Ocala, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,943 In State Tuition	4) St Petersburg College Largo, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,968 In State Tuition	5) Broward College Fort Lauderdale, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,984 In State Tuition	6) Valencia College Orlando, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$1,987 In State Tuition	7) Miami Dade College Miami, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$2,051 In State Tuition	8) Pensacola State College Pensacola, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$2,067 In State Tuition	9) Saint Johns River State College Palatka, Public Not For Profit	–	–
$2,365 In-State Tuition	10) Chipola College Marianna, Public Not For Profit	–	–

Where is the cheapest university for international students?

The U.S. reportedly has colleges and universities with the lowest total cost for international students in 2019-20. These schools include;

• Mississippi University for Women.
• Minnesota State University—Moorhead.
• Bridgewater State University (MA).
• Nicholls State University (LA).
• Eastern New Mexico University.
• Brigham Young University—Provo (UT).

What are the Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students?

But there are a few indicators that most students will agree hold high appeal – factors like cost, student satisfaction and retention, selectivity and popularity, and long-term alumni success.

Using a combination of these metrics, we’ve produced a list of the top 21 cheapest universities in Florida for international students. Check the link below for the List of Universities in Florida for International Students.

• University of West Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Central Florida
• University of Central Florida
• Florida State University
• Florida International University
• University of Florida
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Florida Memorial University
• Warner University
• Johnson University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Southeastern University
• Bethune Cookman University
• Saint Leo University
• Trinity Baptist College
• New College of Florida
• Jacksonville University
• Keiser University
• Flagler College

1. University of West Florida

Nature lovers will find a home away from home at the University of Western Florida. Set on a natural reserve in wild Pensacola, the 1,600-acre campus of this top university in Florida consists of rolling hills and woodland areas that run alongside the scenic Escambia River.

The coastline of Pensacola Bay also makes UWF’s underwater archaeology program one of the most prestigious in the world. The rich resource draws researchers and grants money from around the globe to fund excavations in which both graduates and undergraduates can participate.

UWF also has waterfront property on Santa Rosa Island, where students can pursue research, academics, and of course fun recreational opportunities.

The University of West Florida is also a Florida International University which is home to five academic colleges, offering a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as specialist degrees and a doctorate in education

With a student population of nearly 13,000, an average class size of less than 40, and a 49% acceptance rate, the University of West Florida has committed itself to providing a close-knit academic experience and is consistently named a top “military friendly” University. It is currently ranked the 800^th best university in the World.

Cost of Fees

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $31,282, which is 64.5% higher than Florida residents. The tuition charge is $16,587 while room and board are $9,354, books and supplies are $1,200 and other fees come in at $2,041.

VISIT SCHOOL

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is one of only three top Florida colleges to receive top-tier research classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

With an annual budget of over $1.6 billion, this impressive institution supports an incredibly high level of research and education across three campuses. Tampa is home to most of the doctoral research at the University of South Florida and the colleges of nursing, medicine, public health, and pharmacy.

The waterfront campuses at St. Petersburg and Sarasota are more intimate, but they still offer a combination of over 40 degree programs, including nationally recognized digital media/journalism and hospitality programs.

The University of South Florida is also one of the Cheap Universities in Florida for International Students, which is ranked 45th in the nation for research expenditures among all universities, public or private

The University of South Florida is comprised of 14 colleges offering more than 180 undergraduate majors and concentrations—with some of the most populated colleges being USF Health, Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering.

They also have numerous degree programs at the graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine.

USF prides itself on being a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success.

The University of South Florida is ranked 140^th according to the National University ranking and has a 45% acceptance rate. It is ranked 437^th in the World.

Cost To Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $32,324, which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge is $15,473 while room and board are $9,700, books and supplies are $1,200, and other fees come in at $4,100.

VISIT SCHOOL

3. University of Central Florida

Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida and its 13 colleges offer over 216 degrees.

Ranked a top up-and-coming university by U.S. News, UCF has attracted national attention with an exceptional 70% graduation rate and an impressive 20-year net ROI of more than $300k. UCF is hands down one of the best colleges in Florida.

in addition to being a space-grant institution, the school is also known for being the best college in Florida for International Students and its contributions to optics, simulation and modeling, digital media, engineering, computer science, and more.

The University of South Florida is ranked 171^st according to the National University ranking and has a 48.6% acceptance rate. It is ranked 482^nd best University in the World. It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students.

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $37,586 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge is $19,810 while room and board is $9,764, books and supplies are $1,152 and other fees come in at $4,970.

VISIT SCHOOL

4. Florida State University

Founded in 1851, Florida State University is not only one of the top colleges in Florida; it is also the state’s oldest continuous site of higher education.

FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and features nationally ranked programs in business, engineering, medicine, social policy, and more.

But FSU offers more than just a historical tradition of academic excellence: on its 500-acre campus, FSU hosts everything from NCAA Division I athletics to the FSU Museum of Fine Arts (FaMo), as well as student media groups that include both radio and television programming.

Florida State University has a 56% acceptance rate and is ranked 81^st by the National University ranking. Its world ranking is 431-440 to the World University ranking. It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $37,019, which is reasonably decent. The tuition is $19,084, while room and board are $10,304, books and supplies are $1,000, and other fees come in at $4,764.

VISIT SCHOOL

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida is one of sixty-two elected member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the association of preeminent North American research universities, and the only AAU member university in Florida.

The University is classified as a Research University with Very High Research by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. After the Florida state legislature created performance standards in 2013, the Florida Board of Governors designated the University of Florida as one of the three “preeminent universities” among the twelve universities of the State University System of Florida. For 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida as the ninth (tied) best public university in the United States.

With a top 15 ranking out of all public universities in the country (according to U.S. News), and membership in the Association of American Universities (the only elected member in the state), the University of Florida is easily one of the top colleges in Florida. This prestigious, historical college boasts a 2,000-acre campus with over 19 historical academic buildings, dormitories, and churches alongside world-class modern athletic and performance facilities.

This is one of It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International students with an impressive 88% graduation rate, you can be certain that the University of Florida will put you on the path to success in your education, degree, and career. It has a relatively low acceptance rate of 36.3% and it is ranked 143^rd best University in the World according to the 2018 World University rankings.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $42,348, which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge is $25,694, while room and board are $9,910 books and supplies are $1,210, and other fees come in at $3,630.

VISIT SCHOOL

6. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the only public, historically black college in the state of Florida, and also one of the largest in the nation by enrollment. But the lack of competition hasn’t made them slack: the National Science Foundation has ranked FAMU #1 among all national HBCUs for research and development expenditures annually.

FAMU is also a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which financially supports nearly 300,000 African-American students nationwide in their pursuit of higher education. Combined with already low tuition, this makes FAMU an attractive choice for students looking for a rigorous and affordable college in Florida.
With a 51% acceptance rate, FAMU is ranked 501-600^th in the world by the World University ranking.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $33,792 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge is $14,524 while room and board are $ 10,058, books and supplies are $1,138 and other fees come in at $5,439.

VISIT SCHOOL

7. Florida Memorial University

Florida Memorial University is a great resource for ambitious students of color looking for an affordable Florida college. Founded in 1879, this vibrant, historically black college is also one of only 40 members of the United Negro College Fund, which provides educational assistance based on race and need.

But FMU is more than just a good deal; owing to its rigorous curriculum and extensive career resources, FMU graduates have the 6th-highest starting salaries in the state. It’s no wonder they have such a competitive acceptance rate; at just 24%, you’ll need strong credentials to even be considered. This is also one of the Cheapest Universities in Florida for international students.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $28,370 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge $12,576 while room and board are $6,734, books and supplies are $2,300 and other fees come in at $3,800.

VISIT SCHOOL

8. Warner University

Located in quaint Lake Wales, Warner College is the picture of an intimate, Christian liberal arts college. This cozy campus features just 1,200 students in a spiritual community affiliated and integrated with the Church of God. Warner offers spiritual and ministry services to students alongside 20-degree programs in religious and academic programs.

But what may be most unique about Warner is their HEART program, which stands for Hunger Education and Resources Training? HEART simulates the conditions of a Third World country to educate students in “appropriate technology” and provide experiential insight into conditions and problems in other parts of the world. It is among the Affordable Universities in Florida and also has a 51% acceptance rate and is ranked 45^th by the regional college’s south rankings.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $33,316 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge $20,112 while room and board is $8,104, books and supplies are $1,700 and other fees come in at $2,800.

VISIT SCHOOL

9. Johnson University

Johnson University in Kissimmee, FL, is dedicated to producing faith leaders with exceptional academic acumen. Affiliated with the Independent Church of Christ under the Johnson University system, Johnson awards four-year bachelor’s degrees in Church Ministry, Bible Studies, Humanities, and Christian Education.

Bible and Ministry are the cornerstones of the academics at Johnson, where all students must double-major by choosing a second focus alongside their spiritual curriculum. Abiding by core values of Christian faith, service, excellence, and equality of opportunity, students at Johnson gain a spiritual and intellectual foundation that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

The admission rate range is 50-60% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. It is currently unranked.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $23,460 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge $13,000 while room and board is $6,140, books and supplies are $1,000 and other fees come in at $2,370.

VISIT SCHOOL

10. Florida Atlantic University

In 1964, Florida Atlantic University became the first public university in southeast Florida. In a short time, it has grown from a minuscule research program into one of the top universities in Florida, with 30,000 undergraduates enrolled, affiliations with major research institutions, and NCAA Division I athletics.

Yet FAU is also known for being the most ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse school in Florida’s State University System. Drawing students from all over the state and country, FAU has proven its effectiveness by giving students a great return on their investment: $266K, as reported by PayScale.com. Florida Atlantic University is ranked 231-300^th among National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence and 601-800^th by World University rankings in 2018. It has a 67.7 acceptance rate.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $35,211. The tuition charges $14,374, room and board are $11,906, books and supplies are $2,309 and other fees come in at $5,414.

VISIT SCHOOL

11. Florida Gulf Coast University

At Florida Gulf Coast University three values are paramount: sustainability, excellence, and service. The school has set aside 400 acres of its sprawling campus specifically for nature preservation, and it has even constructed lakes to promote local ecology.

What’s more, the university supports a 15-acre solar field that has reduced FGCU’s reliance on the grid by 18%. FGCU students also devote a combined nearly 200,000 service hours a year to the community.

Excellence pervades all aspects of the FGCU community, particularly the classroom, where students can pursue 51 different degrees at this top-tier southern university.

Florida Gulf Coast University is ranked 73^rd in Regional Universities South. It is ranked 800^th by World University rankings in 2018 and has a 61% acceptance rate.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $38,527. The tuition charges $22,328, room and board are $9,672, books and supplies are $1,200 and other fees come in at $3,400.

VISIT SCHOOL

12. Southeastern University

This Southeastern University is the largest Assemblies of God educational institution in the US, offering affordable, non-denominational higher learning for students of faith. Students can choose from 45 majors in schools ranging from Behavioral/Social Sciences and Business/Legal Studies to Christian and Ministry.

Students’ spirituality is augmented by strong Christian values in the classroom as well as in the administration. Southeastern also holds an annual National Leadership Forum to address servant leadership in the academic, business, and church communities. It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students.

Past speakers have included George W. Bush and Tim Tebow, bringing students closer to national role models who use their faith to lead others. With a 46% acceptance rate, Southeastern University is ranked 114-142^nd by the regional university south rankings in 2018.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $37,884. The tuition charges $23,160 while room and board are $9,724, books and supplies are $1,600 and other fees come in at $2,400.

VISIT SCHOOL

13. Bethune Cookman University

As a charter member of the United Negro College Fund since its inception in 1943, Bethune Cookman University has long been dedicated to advancing the cause of affordable education. This cheap college in Florida offers practical degree programs in seven schools including nursing, engineering, and business.

But BCU is perhaps best known for its sporting events, whether it be their fierce intra-state football rivalry with Florida A&M, or the pre-game performances from their marching band, The Pride, which appeared in the film Drumline. In short, BCU provides a full college experience for half the price. With no specified acceptance rate, BCU is ranked 173-229^th by National Liberal Arts College.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $29,172. The tuition charges $13,440 while room and board are $8,912, books and supplies are $1,450 and other fees come in at $4,400.

VISIT SCHOOL

14. Trinity Baptist College

Founded by the Trinity Baptist Church and accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Trinity Baptist College offers students of faith a spiritual education at an affordable college in Florida making them one of the Cheapest Universities in Florida.

From Education and Business to Biblical Studies and Music, TBC students have a range of promising and challenging degree choices undergirded by devotion to Christ. Music lovers, in particular, will be drawn to LifeSong, TBC’s traveling devotional music group.

And thanks to its location in the heart of Jacksonville, TBC gives students the opportunity to explore beautiful beaches and the downtown and metropolitan areas of the largest city in Florida. It has an 86% acceptance rate. It is ranked 20^th by both Regional Colleges Midwest and Best Value Schools rankings in 2018.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $21,118. The tuition charges $9,990, room and board are $6,070, books and supplies are $1,200 and other fees come in at $2,808.

VISIT SCHOOL

READ ALSO: 15 Best Music Production Schools in Florida | Ranking

15. New College of Florida

The only public liberal arts college in the state, the New College of Florida is a unique school for unique students. New College features a bay front campus in Sarasota, just outside of an arts district home to cultural hubs like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Asolo Repertory Theater.

But what really set New College apart is its academics, as the school rejects grades in all forms. Instead, students enjoy an individualized curriculum and spend the entire month of January engaged in independent study. Add to this a mandatory senior thesis project (regardless of discipline) and it’s easy to see why New College is the perfect cheap college in Florida for strong-willed, independent thinkers.

It is one of the Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students with a 61% acceptance rate. It is ranked 101^st by National Liberal Arts Colleges and 108^th by Best Value Schools.

VISIT SCHOOL

16. Jacksonville University

With small class sizes, personalized wellness and career resources, and many professional programs, Jacksonville University combines the advantages of a liberal arts college with that of an urban comprehensive university. It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students.

Alongside more traditional business, education, and nursing offerings, JU is also noted for its aviation program (partnered with Aerosim Flight Academy) and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (the second largest in the nation). Students can also enjoy modern apartment-style residence halls, the newly renovated Swisher Theater, and NCAA Division I athletics to complete their experience at this top Florida University. It is currently ranked 800^th in the World according to the 2018 World University ranking and it has a 54% acceptance ratio.

Cost to Attend

The annual list price to attend Jacksonville University on a full-time basis for 2017/2018 is $53,150 for all students regardless of their residency. This fee is comprised of $35,260 for tuition, $13,950 for room and board, $1,323 for books and supplies, and $0 for other fees.

VISIT SCHOOL

17. Keiser University

Keiser University is a private non-profit university based in Florida. Keiser provides educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels in both traditional and online delivery formats. With program-specific accreditation in pragmatic degrees such as accounting, biomedical sciences, and finance, Keiser unites the latest findings and insights in your field of study with the latest technology to prepare you to leap into a career.

Keiser is also unique in that they offer small, personalized coursework one class at a time. Students take a new class every four weeks, which can help them, focus and retain material so they can gain. It is also among the listed Cheapest Universities in Florida for International Students with a 48.75 acceptance rate.

Community College Week ranked Keiser 2nd nationally for colleges with associate degree programs in “health professions and related programs,” 5th nationally for colleges with associate degree programs in “nursing: registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing;” and 11th nationally for colleges with associate degree programs in “computer and information sciences and support services.

Cost to Attend

The annual list price to attend Flagler College-St Augustine on a full-time basis for 2017/2018 is $33,480 for all students regardless of their residency. This fee is comprised of $18,200 for tuition, $10,680 for room and board, $1,000 for books and supplies, and $0 for other fees.

VISIT SCHOOL

18. Flagler College

Located in historic St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, Flagler College is probably best known for its nationally ranked-beautiful campus and architectural stewardship. Yet with just a 35% acceptance rate, Flagler also distinguishes itself as one of the best comprehensive liberal arts colleges in the southeast.

The college seeks to engage and enrich both students’ hearts and minds by combining classroom theory with community practice. It has a 50% acceptance rate and is ranked 800th by World University ranking. It is also one of the most Affordable Universities in Florida for foreign nationals.

Cost to Attend

International students (Out of state residents) are charged a total cost of $37,019 which is reasonably decent. The tuition charge is $19,084 while room and board are $10,304, books and supplies are $1,000 and other fees come in at $4,764.

VISIT SCHOOL

FAQs On Universities In Florida

EDITORS RECOMMENDATION

• University of Queensland TC Beirne School of Law Scholarships
• Top 25 Masters degree Scholarships to Study English
• GoUNESCO Internship Program
• Top 21 Masters degree Scholarships for Microbiology Students
• Top 21 Masters degree Scholarships for Microbiology Students
• University of Adelaide Global Leaders Scholarship,
• Nottingham Trent University Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students