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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)

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

Universities in Box Elder

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Box Elder State UniversityPublic$9,600
Box Elder Community CollegeCommunity$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

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

~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.

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

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