Palm Beach State College maintains exceptional affordability across all income levels, with costs well below peer institutions and national averages. In-state tuition stands at $3,050, while out-of-state students pay $10,910, reflecting the accessibility typical of Florida's community college system.
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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 |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,182 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,131 |
| $30–48k | $8,675 |
| $48–75k | $10,862 |
| $75–110k | $13,902 |
| $110k+ | $12,013 |
Palm Beach State College maintains exceptional affordability across all income levels, with costs well below peer institutions and national averages. In-state tuition stands at $3,050, while out-of-state students pay $10,910, reflecting the accessibility typical of Florida's community college system. The average net price of $9,832 sits $4,338 below the peer median of $14,170, indicating strong financial aid effectiveness and inherently low sticker prices.
Net prices vary modestly across income tiers, from $8,862 for the lowest-income families to $16,057 for the highest earners, representing a $7,195 spread. This progressive structure ensures that students from all economic backgrounds can access affordable education, with the lowest-income families paying just 55% of what the highest-income families pay. The controlled costs contribute significantly to the institution's excellent affordability rating at the 92.9th percentile nationally.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Palm Beach State College rank among the lowest nationally, with median debt of $7,081 placing the institution at the 88.0th percentile for low debt levels. Debt ranges from $2,124 at the 25th percentile to $8,004 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with minimal borrowing.
Compared to the peer median debt of $19,500, Palm Beach State students borrow $12,419 less on average, representing a 64% reduction in typical debt burden. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates highly manageable debt relative to post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS borrowing remains limited, with median debt of $10,000 and monthly payments of $132, reflecting the institution's overall affordability. This exceptional debt performance contributes significantly to the college's strong affordability outcomes and supports long-term financial stability for graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Palm Beach State College delivers exceptional educational value through the combination of low costs, minimal debt, and strong earnings relative to expectations. Graduates earn $13,018 beyond expectations, ranking at the 89.2nd percentile nationally, while graduating with debt levels 64% below peer institutions.
The median debt of $7,081 compared to peer median of $19,500 creates a $12,419 advantage that compounds over the repayment period. Net prices $4,338 below peer median further enhance the value proposition.
While absolute earnings of $41,923 rank below peer levels, the combination of minimal educational costs and strong earnings uplift creates favorable return on investment. The institution ranks among the top 25 nationally for earnings beyond expectations, indicating effective preparation for economic advancement despite resource constraints.
Palm Beach State College's financial aid profile reflects its mission to serve diverse populations with substantial need. The institution enrolls 38.1% Pell-eligible students, well above typical community college levels and indicating strong outreach to low-income populations.
The modest gap between sticker prices and net prices suggests that aid comes primarily through low published tuition rather than extensive grant aid, making costs transparent and predictable for families. Net prices ranging from $8,862 to $16,057 across income tiers demonstrate aid targeting toward lower-income students while maintaining affordability for all income levels.
The 49.4% first-generation student enrollment further indicates the institution's role in serving families new to higher education, often requiring additional financial support and guidance. This aid profile supports the college's excellent access rating at the 96.7th percentile nationally.
