College Costs in Chadron, NE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Chadron, Nebraska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$591
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Chadron Overview
Population
5,616
Student Population
578 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
83.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
College Cost Calculator for Chadron
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,384
Total After Financial Aid
$86,384
Annual Cost
$21,596
Annual After Aid
$21,596
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,384 |
| Monthly Payment | $981 |
| Total Interest | $31,321 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,705 |
Universities in Chadron
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Chadron State University | Public | $8,295 |
| Chadron Community College | Community | $4,753 |
Chadron has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chadron vs. National Average
| Category | Chadron | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $591 | $1,050 | -$459 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.5 | 100 | -16.5 |
Chadron'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 Chadron
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
578 students
Chadron has a total population of 5,616, with approximately 578 college students (10.3% of the population). Chadron has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chadron
$37,252
Starting Salary
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~38 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chadron earn a median starting salary of $37,252, which is $2,252 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,384 (including room and board), it would take approximately 38 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,123 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Nebraska
Omaha
23 colleges · Avg tuition $8,268
Lincoln
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,242
Bellevue
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Grand Island
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Kearney
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Chalco
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Fremont
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Hastings
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Norfolk
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Papillion
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Columbus
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
North Platte
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Chadron
How we compile Chadron 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 Chadron 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: Chadron'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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