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.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Altoona
How we compile Altoona college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Altoona institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Altoona's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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