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.
Other Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Marion
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Ankeny 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: Ankeny'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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