College Costs in Ashland, KY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ashland, Kentucky. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$435
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ashland Overview
Population
20,059
Student Population
1,777 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
89.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Ashland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,688
Total After Financial Aid
$97,688
Annual Cost
$24,422
Annual After Aid
$24,422
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,688 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,109 |
| Total Interest | $35,419 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,107 |
Universities in Ashland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland State University | Public | $11,925 |
| Ashland Community College | Community | $5,172 |
Ashland has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ashland vs. National Average
| Category | Ashland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,600 | $10,940 | +$660 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $435 | $1,050 | -$615 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.4 | 100 | -10.599999999999994 |
Ashland'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 Ashland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,777 students
Ashland has a total population of 20,059, with approximately 1,777 college students (8.9% of the population). Ashland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ashland
$37,444
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~40 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ashland earn a median starting salary of $37,444, which is $2,444 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,688 (including room and board), it would take approximately 40 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,069 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kentucky
Louisville
17 colleges · Avg tuition $12,324
Lexington
14 colleges · Avg tuition $12,360
Bowling Green
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,136
Murray
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Danville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,643
Berea
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,683
Owensboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Covington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Richmond
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Georgetown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Nicholasville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities