College Costs in Cape Girardeau, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,093
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,429
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cape Girardeau Overview
Population
40,100
Student Population
2,642 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
79 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
34/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Cape Girardeau
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$66,492
Total After Financial Aid
$66,492
Annual Cost
$16,623
Annual After Aid
$16,623
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $66,492 |
| Monthly Payment | $755 |
| Total Interest | $24,108 |
| Total Loan Cost | $90,600 |
Universities in Cape Girardeau
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State University | Public | $8,093 |
| Three Rivers College | Community | $3,900 |
Cape Girardeau has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau vs. National Average
| Category | Cape Girardeau | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,093 | $10,940 | -$2,847 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79 | 100 | -21 |
Cape Girardeau'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 Cape Girardeau
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,642 students
Cape Girardeau has a total population of 40,100, with approximately 2,642 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cape Girardeau offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cape Girardeau
$41,695
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cape Girardeau earn a median starting salary of $41,695, which is $6,695 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $66,492 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,316 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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