College Costs in Altoona, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Altoona, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$486
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Altoona Overview
Population
20,222
Student Population
1,974 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
87.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Altoona
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,332
Total After Financial Aid
$91,332
Annual Cost
$22,833
Annual After Aid
$22,833
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,332 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,037 |
| Total Interest | $33,115 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,447 |
Universities in Altoona
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona State University | Public | $10,222 |
| Altoona Community College | Community | $5,137 |
Altoona has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Altoona vs. National Average
| Category | Altoona | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $486 | $1,050 | -$564 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.9 | 100 | -12.099999999999994 |
Altoona'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 Altoona
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,974 students
Altoona has a total population of 20,222, with approximately 1,974 college students (9.8% of the population). Altoona has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Altoona
$38,198
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~29 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Altoona earn a median starting salary of $38,198, which is $3,198 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,332 (including room and board), it would take approximately 29 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,099 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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