College Costs in Buchanan, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Buchanan, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$495
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Buchanan Overview
Population
31,536
Student Population
3,398 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
86.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Buchanan
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,640
Total After Financial Aid
$118,640
Annual Cost
$29,660
Annual After Aid
$29,660
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,640 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,347 |
| Total Interest | $43,016 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,656 |
Universities in Buchanan
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Buchanan State University | Public | $14,772 |
| Buchanan Community College | Community | $5,687 |
Buchanan has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Buchanan vs. National Average
| Category | Buchanan | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $495 | $1,050 | -$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.6 | 100 | -13.400000000000006 |
Buchanan'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 Buchanan
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,398 students
Buchanan has a total population of 31,536, with approximately 3,398 college students (10.8% of the population). Buchanan has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Buchanan
$33,517
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Buchanan earn a median starting salary of $33,517, which is -$1,483 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,640 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,904 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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