Florida schools are still a bargain, even though tuition at some state schools rose 15 percent this year.

With in-state tuition running around $4,000, Florida schools fall below the four-year public college cost national average of $7,020. Throw in room and board and the nationwide average cost of a year at a state-supported college is $15,213.

The current school year’s tuition nationwide is 6.5 percent higher than in 2008-2009, according to the College Board’s annual study of college costs and financial aid, released Tuesday.

Increasing college costs continue to far outrun inflation. The price of all consumer goods and services actually fell during the last school year by 2.1 percent.

Two-thirds of college students borrow to meet these expenses. Borrowers graduate with a median debt of $20,000.

The financial pressure on students and their family is clear. Federal and state grants are growing at about 3 percent a year – less than half the rate of growth of college costs.