College Costs in Calera, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Calera, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$477
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Calera Overview
Population
15,140
Student Population
2,459 (16.2%)
Cost of Living Index
81.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Calera
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,428
Total After Financial Aid
$98,428
Annual Cost
$24,607
Annual After Aid
$24,607
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,428 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,118 |
| Total Interest | $35,688 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,116 |
Universities in Calera
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Calera State University | Public | $10,825 |
| Calera Community College | Community | $4,727 |
Calera has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Calera vs. National Average
| Category | Calera | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $477 | $1,050 | -$573 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.7 | 100 | -18.299999999999997 |
Calera'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 Calera
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,459 students
Calera has a total population of 15,140, with approximately 2,459 college students (16.2% of the population). As a major college town, Calera offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Calera
$30,542
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Calera earn a median starting salary of $30,542, which is -$4,458 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,428 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,341 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Calera
How we compile Calera 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 Calera 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: Calera'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