Understanding Florida Southern College Tuition and Fees
Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the application process. Florida Southern College, a medium-sized private institution in Lakeland, Florida, offers undergraduate degrees in 61 majors. Founded in 1883, it's known for programs like Business Administration, Management, and Operations. Understanding the costs associated with attending Florida Southern College is the first step in managing college finances.
Cost of Attendance: The Sticker Price
The "Cost of Attendance" represents the total amount of money the average student pays to attend a school before financial aid. Think of it as the sticker price. At Florida Southern College, the total cost is $63,200, which includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
The 2026-2027 annual direct costs for a full-time student are:
- Tuition and Fees: $47,670
- Food and Housing: $15,130
- Total: $62,800
Breaking Down the Costs
Florida Southern College's tuition is $46,168, which is less than the national average of $47,097 for private colleges. Fees cover library services, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers. A double occupancy room in a freshman residence hall and a 20-meal plan (required for all first-year residential students) are included in the food and housing costs. Books and lab fees vary according to the course schedule, and additional fees may apply for parking permits, late fees, orientation, and health insurance.
Financial Aid: Making College Affordable
Ninety-eight percent of Florida Southern students receive financial aid. The college awards more than $66 million each year to help offset costs. Financial aid includes grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. These packages vary based on a student's financial need, determined primarily through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Grants and Scholarships: Free Money
Grants and scholarships are the most desirable forms of financial aid because they don't need to be repaid. In a recent year, 64.97% of students received financial aid. The average aid package was $32,331.The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Florida Southern College was $31,937. Additionally, 32% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.
Institutional Aid
Florida Southern College offers its own (non-federal) financial aid. Because more students get institutional aid, it suggests the college offers competitive financial aid packages.
Loans: Borrowing for the Future
Student loans are another way to pay for college, but it’s important to minimize debt.
- Federal Loans: 77% of students at Florida Southern College take out federal loans. The average annual federal loan amount is $6051.
- Private Loans: 6% of students take out private loans. The average private loan amount is $9092.
The fact that more students receive federal loans than private loans is a positive sign, as federal loans generally have lower interest rates.
Student Loan Debt at Graduation
At Florida Southern College, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $25,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for graduates is $265. Additionally, 15% of graduating students at Florida Southern College took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $42,172 in private loan debt at graduation.
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The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $32,483. 61% of graduating students borrowed some type of loan.
Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay
The Net Price is the total cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. It represents the out-of-pocket expense for attending the school. To get an estimate of your net price, use Florida Southern College's Net Price calculator.
The average net price is $30,462 per year.
Understanding Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The U.S. government uses a standardized method to calculate how much a family can afford to pay for college, known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges use the EFC as a guideline for awarding financial aid. If the Net Price is higher than the EFC, attending the school will cost more than what is typically considered affordable.
Determining the Value of a Florida Southern College Education
Florida Southern College is considered a high-value school in its category, meaning the net price is low compared to other schools with similar reputations. Attending Florida Southern College is a solid option, especially if it's a good fit.
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Scholarships and Grants Available
Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.
Types of need-based scholarships/grants available include average need-based scholarship or grant awards (first-year students).
Additional Ways to Offset Costs
Florida Southern offers interest-free payment plans accessible through Nelnet Campus Commerce.
Work-Study Programs and Campus Jobs
Working while in school can help lessen the burden of student loans. Florida Southern College offers work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time.
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