College Costs in Bellefontaine, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$441
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Bellefontaine Overview
Population
13,511
Student Population
1,600 (11.8%)
Cost of Living Index
82.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Bellefontaine
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,408
Total After Financial Aid
$97,408
Annual Cost
$24,352
Annual After Aid
$24,352
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,106 |
| Total Interest | $35,318 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,726 |
Universities in Bellefontaine
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bellefontaine State University | Public | $10,315 |
| Bellefontaine Community College | Community | $4,834 |
Bellefontaine has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bellefontaine vs. National Average
| Category | Bellefontaine | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $441 | $1,050 | -$609 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.6 | 100 | -17.400000000000006 |
Bellefontaine'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 Bellefontaine
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,600 students
Bellefontaine has a total population of 13,511, with approximately 1,600 college students (11.8% of the population). Bellefontaine has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bellefontaine
$33,278
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bellefontaine earn a median starting salary of $33,278, which is -$1,722 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,091 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
Columbus
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,936
Cleveland
20 colleges · Avg tuition $11,270
Cincinnati
28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Parma
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bellefontaine
How we compile Bellefontaine 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 Bellefontaine 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: Bellefontaine'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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