College Cost Planning in Clark, SD 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Clark, South Dakota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Clark as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$540
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Clark
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$9,700
Private tuition
$24,000
Community college
$5,294
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
~59.2 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 59.2 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,525 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Clark, SD?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Clark is $9,700. Private university tuition averages $24,000, and community college tuition averages $5,294. When room and board ($12,458/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,158.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Clark, SD?
Clark uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,614, which represents 12.8% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Clark?
The average rent near college campuses in Clark is approximately $540 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 85.2 (national average is 100), a walk score of 51, and a public transit score of 25. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Clark?
College graduates in Clark earn a median starting salary of $36,496. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%. With an average financial aid package of $8,525 per student and a 57% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Clark, SD?
With a median starting salary of $36,496 and an average 4-year public university cost of $88,632 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 59.2 years. The 57% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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