College Costs in Brookings, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Brookings, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,308
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,660
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,060
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Brookings Overview
Population
24,008
Student Population
1,562 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
106 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Brookings
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$81,616
Total After Financial Aid
$81,616
Annual Cost
$20,404
Annual After Aid
$20,404
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $81,616 |
| Monthly Payment | $927 |
| Total Interest | $29,592 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,208 |
Universities in Brookings
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | Public | $9,308 |
| Lake Area Technical College Brookings | Community | $5,250 |
Brookings has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brookings vs. National Average
| Category | Brookings | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,308 | $10,940 | -$1,632 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,060 | $1,050 | +$10 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 100 | +6 |
Brookings's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Brookings
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,562 students
Brookings has a total population of 24,008, with approximately 1,562 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Brookings offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brookings
$43,060
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brookings earn a median starting salary of $43,060, which is $8,060 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $81,616 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,377 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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