College Costs in Carroll, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Carroll, 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
$462
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Carroll Overview
Population
9,978
Student Population
2,288 (22.9%)
Cost of Living Index
89.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Carroll
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,804
Total After Financial Aid
$89,804
Annual Cost
$22,451
Annual After Aid
$22,451
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,804 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,020 |
| Total Interest | $32,561 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,365 |
Universities in Carroll
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll State University | Public | $10,210 |
| Carroll Community College | Community | $5,175 |
Carroll has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carroll vs. National Average
| Category | Carroll | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $462 | $1,050 | -$588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.4 | 100 | -10.599999999999994 |
Carroll'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 Carroll
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,288 students
Carroll has a total population of 9,978, with approximately 2,288 college students (22.9% of the population). As a major college town, Carroll offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carroll
$35,502
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~179 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carroll earn a median starting salary of $35,502, which is $502 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,804 (including room and board), it would take approximately 179 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,035 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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