College Costs in Bessemer, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bessemer, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$465
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bessemer Overview
Population
26,019
Student Population
2,405 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
87.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Bessemer
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,988
Total After Financial Aid
$97,988
Annual Cost
$24,497
Annual After Aid
$24,497
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,988 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,113 |
| Total Interest | $35,528 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,516 |
Universities in Bessemer
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bessemer State University | Public | $12,001 |
| Bessemer Community College | Community | $5,388 |
Bessemer has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bessemer vs. National Average
| Category | Bessemer | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $465 | $1,050 | -$585 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.5 | 100 | -12.5 |
Bessemer'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 Bessemer
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,405 students
Bessemer has a total population of 26,019, with approximately 2,405 college students (9.2% of the population). Bessemer has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bessemer
$33,988
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bessemer earn a median starting salary of $33,988, which is -$1,012 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,988 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,304 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bessemer
How we compile Bessemer 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 Bessemer 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: Bessemer'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
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