Florida Atlantic University's published cost of attendance is $21,054 per year—comprising $17,324 in out-of-state tuition, $12,536 for room and board, and $1,256 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $8,001 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,053 or 62% off the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,522 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,324 |
| Room and Board | $15,860 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,320 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,770 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,752 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,022 |
| $30–48k | $4,135 |
| $48–75k | $8,106 |
| $75–110k | $14,440 |
| $110k+ | $16,854 |
Florida Atlantic University's published cost of attendance is $21,054 per year—comprising $17,324 in out-of-state tuition, $12,536 for room and board, and $1,256 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $8,001 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,053 or 62% off the sticker price. This substantial discount reflects Florida Atlantic University's commitment to affordability across income levels.
The average net price of $8,001 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, saving families $7,589 annually compared to similar institutions. For Florida residents, in-state tuition of $4,879 creates even greater value, though the published figures reflect the higher out-of-state rates. This pricing structure positions Florida Atlantic University as an excellent value proposition, combining strong post-graduation outcomes with controlled costs that support accessibility for diverse student populations.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Florida Atlantic University graduates carry median debt of $17,236, positioning them favorably compared to the peer median of $20,000—a $2,764 advantage. Student debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,750 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students manage moderate borrowing levels.
The debt performance ranks at the 81st percentile nationally, reflecting well above average outcomes in debt management. With median earnings of $56,746, the debt-to-earnings ratio reaches 0.30, indicating manageable repayment burden for typical graduates.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,411 with monthly payments of $190, representing additional family investment that remains at reasonable levels. The controlled debt levels combined with strong earnings beyond expectations create favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Florida Atlantic University delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $19,325 beyond predicted levels based on student demographics, ranking at the 93.9th percentile nationally for educational value creation.
With median earnings of $56,746 compared to peer median of $60,543, graduates earn slightly less than similar institutions but achieve this with $2,764 lower debt and $7,589 lower net prices annually. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 indicates sustainable repayment burden, while the substantial earnings beyond expectations demonstrate educational effectiveness.
Return index performance at the 77.1st percentile reflects well above average outcomes when considering both costs and benefits. This investment profile particularly benefits students from lower-income backgrounds who can access quality education at controlled costs while achieving economic mobility through post-graduation earnings that exceed expectations.
Florida Atlantic University serves 35.1% Pell-eligible students, well above typical levels for institutions with similar academic profiles, reflecting strong commitment to educational access. The $13,053 average savings from financial aid represents effective aid packaging that makes higher education affordable across income levels.
Need-based aid targets lower-income students most effectively, as evidenced by the progressive net price structure that provides greatest benefits to families earning under $48,000 annually. This aid distribution supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality higher education without prohibitive debt burdens.
The substantial aid amounts combined with high Pell enrollment demonstrate institutional priorities that align educational access with post-graduation economic mobility. Financial aid programming creates pathways for first-generation and lower-income students who comprise significant portions of the student body, supporting both access and success through manageable college costs.
