College Costs in Anniston, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Anniston, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$432
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Anniston Overview
Population
21,518
Student Population
2,058 (9.6%)
Cost of Living Index
89.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Anniston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,372
Total After Financial Aid
$97,372
Annual Cost
$24,343
Annual After Aid
$24,343
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,372 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,106 |
| Total Interest | $35,305 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,677 |
Universities in Anniston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Anniston State University | Public | $11,216 |
| Anniston Community College | Community | $5,544 |
Anniston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Anniston vs. National Average
| Category | Anniston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $432 | $1,050 | -$618 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.3 | 100 | -10.700000000000003 |
Anniston'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 Anniston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,058 students
Anniston has a total population of 21,518, with approximately 2,058 college students (9.6% of the population). Anniston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Anniston
$30,322
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Anniston earn a median starting salary of $30,322, which is -$4,678 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,372 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,725 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Anniston
How we compile Anniston 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 Anniston 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: Anniston'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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