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College Cost Planning in Buhl, ID 2026

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

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Buhl 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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

$8,300

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$28,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$897

per month

Local Cost Market

1

benchmark points

Buhl Overview

Population

4,328

Student Population

968 (22.4%)

Cost of Living Index

88.6 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

33/100

Transit Score

16/100

Unemployment Rate

2.8%

College Cost Calculator for Buhl

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$83,560

Total After Financial Aid

$83,560

Annual Cost

$20,890

Annual After Aid

$20,890

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$33,200
Room & Board$50,360

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$83,560
Monthly Payment$949
Total Interest$30,297
Total Loan Cost$113,857

Education Cost Benchmarks in Buhl

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

$8,300

Private tuition

$28,000

Community college

$5,177

Cost of Living in Buhl vs. National Average

CategoryBuhlNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$8,300$10,940-$2,640
Monthly Rent Near Campus$897$1,050-$153
Cost of Living Index88.6100-11.400000000000006

Buhl'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 Buhl

33

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

16

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

22.4%

Student Population

968 students

Buhl has a total population of 4,328, with approximately 968 college students (22.4% of the population). As a major college town, Buhl offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Buhl

$37,038

Starting Salary

2.8%

Unemployment Rate

60%

Graduation Rate

~41 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Buhl earn a median starting salary of $37,038, which is $2,038 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 41 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $11,482 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Idaho

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Buhl

How we compile Buhl 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 Buhl 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: Buhl'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 Buhl, ID?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Buhl is $8,300. Private university tuition averages $28,000, and community college tuition averages $5,177. When room and board ($12,590/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $20,890.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Buhl, ID?

Buhl uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 968, which represents 22.4% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Buhl?

The average rent near college campuses in Buhl is approximately $897 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 88.6 (national average is 100), a walk score of 33, and a public transit score of 16. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Buhl?

College graduates in Buhl earn a median starting salary of $37,038. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%. With an average financial aid package of $11,482 per student and a 60% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Buhl, ID?

With a median starting salary of $37,038 and an average 4-year public university cost of $83,560 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 41 years. The 60% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

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