College Costs in Chattanooga, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,648
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$39,466
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,102
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Chattanooga Overview
Population
182,799
Student Population
12,606 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
80 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
64/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Chattanooga
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,432
Total After Financial Aid
$87,432
Annual Cost
$21,858
Annual After Aid
$21,858
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,432 |
| Monthly Payment | $993 |
| Total Interest | $31,701 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,133 |
Universities in Chattanooga
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Public | $9,648 |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Community | $4,320 |
Chattanooga has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chattanooga vs. National Average
| Category | Chattanooga | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,648 | $10,940 | -$1,292 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,102 | $1,050 | +$52 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80 | 100 | -20 |
Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,606 students
Chattanooga has a total population of 182,799, with approximately 12,606 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chattanooga offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chattanooga
$48,711
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chattanooga earn a median starting salary of $48,711, which is $13,711 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,432 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
35 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Memphis
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Knoxville
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,792
Clarksville
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Murfreesboro
10 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Johnson City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Cookeville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
Franklin
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Jackson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Hendersonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Bartlett
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Chattanooga
How we compile Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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: Chattanooga'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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