College Costs in Bloomington, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Bloomington, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,948
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,439
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$759
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Bloomington Overview
Population
84,067
Student Population
24,537 (29.2%)
Cost of Living Index
83 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Bloomington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,116
Total After Financial Aid
$95,116
Annual Cost
$23,779
Annual After Aid
$23,779
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,116 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,080 |
| Total Interest | $34,487 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,603 |
Universities in Bloomington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Bloomington | Public | $10,948 |
| Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington | Community | $4,540 |
Bloomington has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bloomington vs. National Average
| Category | Bloomington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,948 | $10,940 | +$8 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $759 | $1,050 | -$291 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17 |
Bloomington'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 Bloomington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
24,537 students
Bloomington has a total population of 84,067, with approximately 24,537 college students (29.2% of the population). As a major college town, Bloomington offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bloomington
$52,436
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bloomington earn a median starting salary of $52,436, which is $17,436 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,116 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,996 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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