College Costs in Ankeny, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Ankeny, 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
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Ankeny Overview
Population
68,483
Student Population
3,517 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
95.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Ankeny
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,800
Total After Financial Aid
$92,800
Annual Cost
$23,200
Annual After Aid
$23,200
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,054 |
| Total Interest | $33,647 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,447 |
Universities in Ankeny
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ankeny State University | Public | $8,895 |
| Ankeny Community College | Community | $4,940 |
Ankeny has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ankeny vs. National Average
| Category | Ankeny | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.8 | 100 | -4.200000000000003 |
Ankeny's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Ankeny
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,517 students
Ankeny has a total population of 68,483, with approximately 3,517 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Ankeny offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ankeny
$40,429
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ankeny earn a median starting salary of $40,429, which is $5,429 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,898 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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