College Costs in Benton, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Benton, 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
$495
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Benton Overview
Population
36,820
Student Population
2,151 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
79.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Benton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,652
Total After Financial Aid
$90,652
Annual Cost
$22,663
Annual After Aid
$22,663
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,652 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,029 |
| Total Interest | $32,868 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,520 |
Universities in Benton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Benton State University | Public | $10,094 |
| Benton Community College | Community | $5,004 |
Benton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Benton vs. National Average
| Category | Benton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $495 | $1,050 | -$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79.5 | 100 | -20.5 |
Benton'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 Benton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,151 students
Benton has a total population of 36,820, with approximately 2,151 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Benton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Benton
$26,099
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Benton earn a median starting salary of $26,099, which is -$8,901 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,652 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,115 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arkansas
Little Rock
24 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Fayetteville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,642
Pine Bluff
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,500
Fort Smith
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Springdale
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Jonesboro
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Rogers
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Conway
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
North Little Rock
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Bentonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Hot Springs
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Sherwood
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Benton
How we compile Benton 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 Benton 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: Benton'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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