College Costs in Clark, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clark, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$540
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clark Overview
Population
20,468
Student Population
2,614 (12.8%)
Cost of Living Index
85.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
College Cost Calculator for Clark
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,632
Total After Financial Aid
$88,632
Annual Cost
$22,158
Annual After Aid
$22,158
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,632 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,006 |
| Total Interest | $32,136 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,768 |
Universities in Clark
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clark State University | Public | $8,941 |
| Clark Community College | Community | $5,294 |
Clark has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clark vs. National Average
| Category | Clark | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $540 | $1,050 | -$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.2 | 100 | -14.799999999999997 |
Clark'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 Clark
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,614 students
Clark has a total population of 20,468, with approximately 2,614 college students (12.8% of the population). Clark has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clark
$36,496
Starting Salary
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~59 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clark earn a median starting salary of $36,496, which is $1,496 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,632 (including room and board), it would take approximately 59 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,525 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Dakota
Sioux Falls
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,703
Rapid City
7 colleges · Avg tuition $12,090
Aberdeen
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Brookings
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,308
Vermillion
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,482
Watertown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Mitchell
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Yankton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Pierre
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Huron
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Brandon (SD)
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Spearfish
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clark
How we compile Clark 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 Clark 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: Clark'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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