DegreeCalc

College Cost Planning in Box Elder, SD 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Box Elder, South Dakota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Box Elder as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$9,700

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$24,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$645

per month

Local Cost Market

1

benchmark points

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)

Tuition$38,800
Room & Board$52,184

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

Education Cost Benchmarks in Box Elder

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

1

Public tuition

$9,700

Private tuition

$24,000

Community college

$4,976

Cost of Living in Box Elder vs. National Average

CategoryBox ElderNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$9,700$10,940-$1,240
Monthly Rent Near Campus$645$1,050-$405
Cost of Living Index92.8100-7.200000000000003

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

31

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

22

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.2%

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

Review

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 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $11,290 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in South Dakota

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Box Elder

How we compile Box Elder 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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Box Elder institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Box Elder's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in Box Elder, SD?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Box Elder is $9,700. Private university tuition averages $24,000, and community college tuition averages $4,976. When room and board ($13,046/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,746.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Box Elder, SD?

Box Elder uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 611, which represents 5.2% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Box Elder?

The average rent near college campuses in Box Elder is approximately $645 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 92.8 (national average is 100), a walk score of 31, and a public transit score of 22. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Box Elder?

College graduates in Box Elder earn a median starting salary of $32,881. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%. With an average financial aid package of $11,290 per student and a 59% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Box Elder, SD?

With a median starting salary of $32,881 and an average 4-year public university cost of $90,984 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.

Related Calculators

Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.

Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.

Browse All Cities