College Costs in Butte, AK 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Butte, Alaska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$660
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Butte Overview
Population
3,634
Student Population
863 (23.7%)
Cost of Living Index
119.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Butte
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,588
Total After Financial Aid
$91,588
Annual Cost
$22,897
Annual After Aid
$22,897
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,588 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,040 |
| Total Interest | $33,208 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,796 |
Universities in Butte
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Butte State University | Public | $8,819 |
| Butte Community College | Community | $6,258 |
Butte has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Butte vs. National Average
| Category | Butte | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,100 | $10,940 | -$2,840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 119.3 | 100 | +19.299999999999997 |
Butte'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 Butte
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
863 students
Butte has a total population of 3,634, with approximately 863 college students (23.7% of the population). As a major college town, Butte offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Butte
$42,481
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Butte earn a median starting salary of $42,481, which is $7,481 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,588 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,142 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alaska
Anchorage
18 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Juneau
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Fairbanks
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Eagle River
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Badger
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Knik-Fairview
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
College
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Wasilla
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Tanaina
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Meadow Lakes
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Sitka
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Lakes
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Butte
How we compile Butte 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 Butte 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: Butte'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
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