College Costs in Carthage, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Carthage, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$489
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Carthage Overview
Population
14,754
Student Population
2,514 (17.0%)
Cost of Living Index
79.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Carthage
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,924
Total After Financial Aid
$95,924
Annual Cost
$23,981
Annual After Aid
$23,981
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,924 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,089 |
| Total Interest | $34,780 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,704 |
Universities in Carthage
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carthage State University | Public | $9,640 |
| Carthage Community College | Community | $5,545 |
Carthage has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carthage vs. National Average
| Category | Carthage | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $489 | $1,050 | -$561 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79.9 | 100 | -20.099999999999994 |
Carthage'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 Carthage
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,514 students
Carthage has a total population of 14,754, with approximately 2,514 college students (17.0% of the population). As a major college town, Carthage offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carthage
$34,736
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carthage earn a median starting salary of $34,736, which is -$264 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,924 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,845 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Missouri
Kansas City
44 colleges · Avg tuition $11,602
St. Louis
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,343
Springfield
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,210
Columbia
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,142
Cape Girardeau
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,093
Warrensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,298
Rolla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Independence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lee's Summit
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
OFallon
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Joseph
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Charles
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Carthage
How we compile Carthage 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 Carthage 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: Carthage'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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