College Costs in Bedford, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Bedford, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$543
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Bedford Overview
Population
13,602
Student Population
2,403 (17.7%)
Cost of Living Index
83.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Bedford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,600
Total After Financial Aid
$93,600
Annual Cost
$23,400
Annual After Aid
$23,400
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,063 |
| Total Interest | $33,937 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,537 |
Universities in Bedford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford State University | Public | $10,805 |
| Bedford Community College | Community | $5,100 |
Bedford has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bedford vs. National Average
| Category | Bedford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $543 | $1,050 | -$507 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.9 | 100 | -16.099999999999994 |
Bedford'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 Bedford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,403 students
Bedford has a total population of 13,602, with approximately 2,403 college students (17.7% of the population). As a major college town, Bedford offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bedford
$33,573
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bedford earn a median starting salary of $33,573, which is -$1,427 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,600 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,742 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Indiana
Indianapolis
25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Fort Wayne
24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
Evansville
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,448
South Bend
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,463
Bloomington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,948
Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Terre Haute
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,570
Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bedford
How we compile Bedford 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 Bedford 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: Bedford'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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