College Costs in Cedar Rapids, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,781
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,500
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$649
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Cedar Rapids Overview
Population
137,710
Student Population
11,334 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
100 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
40/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Cedar Rapids
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$76,468
Total After Financial Aid
$76,468
Annual Cost
$19,117
Annual After Aid
$19,117
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $76,468 |
| Monthly Payment | $868 |
| Total Interest | $27,725 |
| Total Loan Cost | $104,193 |
Universities in Cedar Rapids
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Coe College | Private | $49,800 |
| Mount Mercy University | Private | $37,200 |
| Kirkwood Community College | Community | $5,064 |
Cedar Rapids has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids vs. National Average
| Category | Cedar Rapids | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,781 | $10,940 | -$3,159 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $649 | $1,050 | -$401 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 | 0 |
Cedar Rapids's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cedar Rapids
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
11,334 students
Cedar Rapids has a total population of 137,710, with approximately 11,334 college students (8.2% of the population). Cedar Rapids has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cedar Rapids
$51,300
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cedar Rapids earn a median starting salary of $51,300, which is $16,300 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $76,468 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,134 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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