College Costs in Box Elder, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Box Elder, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$645
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Box Elder Overview
Population
11,766
Student Population
611 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
92.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
31/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
College Cost Calculator for Box Elder
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,984
Total After Financial Aid
$90,984
Annual Cost
$22,746
Annual After Aid
$22,746
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,984 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,033 |
| Total Interest | $32,989 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,973 |
Universities in Box Elder
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Box Elder State University | Public | $9,600 |
| Box Elder Community College | Community | $4,976 |
Box Elder has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Box Elder vs. National Average
| Category | Box Elder | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $645 | $1,050 | -$405 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.8 | 100 | -7.200000000000003 |
Box Elder'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 Box Elder
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
611 students
Box Elder has a total population of 11,766, with approximately 611 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Box Elder offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Box Elder
$32,881
Starting Salary
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Box Elder earn a median starting salary of $32,881, which is -$2,119 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,984 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,290 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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