College Costs in Burlington, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Burlington, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$528
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Burlington Overview
Population
24,321
Student Population
1,293 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
82.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Burlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,340
Total After Financial Aid
$94,340
Annual Cost
$23,585
Annual After Aid
$23,585
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,340 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,071 |
| Total Interest | $34,205 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,545 |
Universities in Burlington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington State University | Public | $9,506 |
| Burlington Community College | Community | $5,620 |
Burlington has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Burlington vs. National Average
| Category | Burlington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $528 | $1,050 | -$522 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.9 | 100 | -17.099999999999994 |
Burlington'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 Burlington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,293 students
Burlington has a total population of 24,321, with approximately 1,293 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Burlington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Burlington
$36,924
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~49 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Burlington earn a median starting salary of $36,924, which is $1,924 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,340 (including room and board), it would take approximately 49 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,200 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Burlington
How we compile Burlington 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Burlington institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Burlington's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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
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