College Costs in Bolivar, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bolivar, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$473
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bolivar Overview
Population
28,112
Student Population
2,785 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
88.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Bolivar
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,648
Total After Financial Aid
$90,648
Annual Cost
$22,662
Annual After Aid
$22,662
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,648 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,029 |
| Total Interest | $32,867 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,515 |
Universities in Bolivar
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bolivar State University | Public | $11,037 |
| Bolivar Community College | Community | $4,915 |
Bolivar has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bolivar vs. National Average
| Category | Bolivar | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $473 | $1,050 | -$577 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 100 | -11.599999999999994 |
Bolivar'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 Bolivar
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,785 students
Bolivar has a total population of 28,112, with approximately 2,785 college students (9.9% of the population). Bolivar has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bolivar
$38,858
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bolivar earn a median starting salary of $38,858, which is $3,858 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,648 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,858 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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