College Costs in Clarksdale, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clarksdale Overview
Population
15,005
Student Population
1,982 (13.2%)
Cost of Living Index
75.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Clarksdale
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,556
Total After Financial Aid
$84,556
Annual Cost
$21,139
Annual After Aid
$21,139
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,556 |
| Monthly Payment | $960 |
| Total Interest | $30,658 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,214 |
Universities in Clarksdale
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksdale State University | Public | $9,428 |
| Clarksdale Community College | Community | $4,905 |
Clarksdale has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clarksdale vs. National Average
| Category | Clarksdale | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 75.4 | 100 | -24.599999999999994 |
Clarksdale'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 Clarksdale
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,982 students
Clarksdale has a total population of 15,005, with approximately 1,982 college students (13.2% of the population). Clarksdale has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clarksdale
$27,298
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clarksdale earn a median starting salary of $27,298, which is -$7,702 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,556 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,099 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Mississippi
Jackson
11 colleges · Avg tuition $8,684
Hattiesburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,360
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,152
Starkville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,392
Gulfport
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Southaven
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Biloxi
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Olive Branch
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Tupelo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Meridian
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Brandon
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Horn Lake
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clarksdale
How we compile Clarksdale 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 Clarksdale 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: Clarksdale'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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