College Costs in Aiken, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Aiken, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$675
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Aiken Overview
Population
31,375
Student Population
2,570 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
90.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Aiken
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,708
Total After Financial Aid
$98,708
Annual Cost
$24,677
Annual After Aid
$24,677
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,121 |
| Total Interest | $35,789 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,497 |
Universities in Aiken
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken State University | Public | $13,151 |
| Aiken Community College | Community | $5,540 |
Aiken has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Aiken vs. National Average
| Category | Aiken | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $675 | $1,050 | -$375 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.2 | 100 | -9.799999999999997 |
Aiken's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Aiken
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,570 students
Aiken has a total population of 31,375, with approximately 2,570 college students (8.2% of the population). Aiken has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Aiken
$32,206
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Aiken earn a median starting salary of $32,206, which is -$2,794 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,709 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities