College Costs in Alpena, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Alpena, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$573
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Alpena Overview
Population
10,155
Student Population
1,353 (13.3%)
Cost of Living Index
91.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Alpena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,668
Total After Financial Aid
$119,668
Annual Cost
$29,917
Annual After Aid
$29,917
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,668 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,359 |
| Total Interest | $43,389 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,057 |
Universities in Alpena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Alpena State University | Public | $16,846 |
| Alpena Community College | Community | $5,494 |
Alpena has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Alpena vs. National Average
| Category | Alpena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $573 | $1,050 | -$477 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 100 | -8.900000000000006 |
Alpena'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 Alpena
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,353 students
Alpena has a total population of 10,155, with approximately 1,353 college students (13.3% of the population). Alpena has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Alpena
$38,670
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~33 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Alpena earn a median starting salary of $38,670, which is $3,670 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,668 (including room and board), it would take approximately 33 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,899 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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