College Costs in Bella Vista, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$23,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$423
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bella Vista Overview
Population
30,493
Student Population
2,712 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
75.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Bella Vista
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,692
Total After Financial Aid
$86,692
Annual Cost
$21,673
Annual After Aid
$21,673
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,692 |
| Monthly Payment | $984 |
| Total Interest | $31,432 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,124 |
Universities in Bella Vista
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bella Vista State University | Public | $9,755 |
| Bella Vista Community College | Community | $4,549 |
Bella Vista has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bella Vista vs. National Average
| Category | Bella Vista | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $423 | $1,050 | -$627 |
| Cost of Living Index | 75.7 | 100 | -24.299999999999997 |
Bella Vista'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 Bella Vista
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,712 students
Bella Vista has a total population of 30,493, with approximately 2,712 college students (8.9% of the population). Bella Vista has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bella Vista
$33,679
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bella Vista earn a median starting salary of $33,679, which is -$1,321 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,692 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,395 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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