College Costs in Carson City, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carson City, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$690
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carson City Overview
Population
19,381
Student Population
2,687 (13.9%)
Cost of Living Index
88.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Carson City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,908
Total After Financial Aid
$113,908
Annual Cost
$28,477
Annual After Aid
$28,477
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,908 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,293 |
| Total Interest | $41,300 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,208 |
Universities in Carson City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City State University | Public | $15,521 |
| Carson City Community College | Community | $5,547 |
Carson City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carson City vs. National Average
| Category | Carson City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $690 | $1,050 | -$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.3 | 100 | -11.700000000000003 |
Carson City'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 Carson City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,687 students
Carson City has a total population of 19,381, with approximately 2,687 college students (13.9% of the population). Carson City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carson City
$35,014
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~8136 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carson City earn a median starting salary of $35,014, which is $14 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,908 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8136 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,810 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Michigan
Detroit
43 colleges · Avg tuition $14,568
Grand Rapids
10 colleges · Avg tuition $13,394
Ann Arbor
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,736
Lansing
6 colleges · Avg tuition $14,460
Flint
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,426
Kalamazoo
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,413
Saginaw
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,840
Warren
6 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Sterling Heights
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Dearborn
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Clinton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Canton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Carson City
How we compile Carson City 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 Carson City 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: Carson City'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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