College Costs in Bluffton, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bluffton, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$675
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bluffton Overview
Population
23,003
Student Population
2,193 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
91.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Bluffton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,696
Total After Financial Aid
$104,696
Annual Cost
$26,174
Annual After Aid
$26,174
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,696 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,189 |
| Total Interest | $37,960 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,656 |
Universities in Bluffton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bluffton State University | Public | $12,911 |
| Bluffton Community College | Community | $4,826 |
Bluffton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bluffton vs. National Average
| Category | Bluffton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $675 | $1,050 | -$375 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 100 | -8.799999999999997 |
Bluffton'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 Bluffton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,193 students
Bluffton has a total population of 23,003, with approximately 2,193 college students (9.5% of the population). Bluffton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bluffton
$33,073
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bluffton earn a median starting salary of $33,073, which is -$1,927 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,696 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,654 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bluffton
How we compile Bluffton 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 Bluffton 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: Bluffton'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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