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.
Other Cities in Missouri
Kansas City
44 colleges · Avg tuition $11,602
St. Louis
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,343
Springfield
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,210
Columbia
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,142
Cape Girardeau
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,093
Warrensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,298
Rolla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Independence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lee's Summit
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
OFallon
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Joseph
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Charles
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bolivar
How we compile Bolivar 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 Bolivar 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: Bolivar'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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