College Costs in Altoona, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$753
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Altoona Overview
Population
43,193
Student Population
3,302 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
93.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Altoona
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,436
Total After Financial Aid
$113,436
Annual Cost
$28,359
Annual After Aid
$28,359
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,436 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,288 |
| Total Interest | $41,129 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,565 |
Universities in Altoona
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona State University | Public | $15,929 |
| Altoona Community College | Community | $5,393 |
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) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $753 | $1,050 | -$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.4 | 100 | -6.599999999999994 |
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
3,302 students
Altoona has a total population of 43,193, with approximately 3,302 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Altoona offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Altoona
$37,566
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~44 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Altoona earn a median starting salary of $37,566, which is $2,566 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,436 (including room and board), it would take approximately 44 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,352 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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