College Costs in Big Rapids, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Big Rapids, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$534
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Big Rapids Overview
Population
10,350
Student Population
1,442 (13.9%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Big Rapids
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,788
Total After Financial Aid
$112,788
Annual Cost
$28,197
Annual After Aid
$28,197
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,281 |
| Total Interest | $40,894 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,682 |
Universities in Big Rapids
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Big Rapids State University | Public | $13,919 |
| Big Rapids Community College | Community | $5,272 |
Big Rapids has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Big Rapids vs. National Average
| Category | Big Rapids | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $534 | $1,050 | -$516 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
Big Rapids'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 Big Rapids
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,442 students
Big Rapids has a total population of 10,350, with approximately 1,442 college students (13.9% of the population). Big Rapids has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Big Rapids
$38,601
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~31 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Big Rapids earn a median starting salary of $38,601, which is $3,601 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 31 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,525 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Michigan
Detroit
43 colleges · Avg tuition $14,568
Grand Rapids
10 colleges · Avg tuition $13,394
Ann Arbor
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,736
Lansing
6 colleges · Avg tuition $14,460
Flint
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,426
Kalamazoo
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,413
Saginaw
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,840
Warren
6 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Sterling Heights
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Dearborn
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Clinton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Canton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Big Rapids
How we compile Big Rapids 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 Big Rapids 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: Big Rapids'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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