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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)

Tuition$38,400
Room & Board$54,400

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

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Ankeny State UniversityPublic$8,895
Ankeny Community CollegeCommunity$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

CategoryAnkenyNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$9,600$10,940-$1,340
Monthly Rent Near Campus$855$1,050-$195
Cost of Living Index95.8100-4.200000000000003

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

50

Walk Score

Somewhat Walkable

28

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.1%

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.

Other Cities in Iowa

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Ankeny

How we compile Ankeny 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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Ankeny institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Ankeny's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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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