College Costs in Clarksville, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Clarksville, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,321
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$838
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Clarksville Overview
Population
166,722
Student Population
10,015 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
90 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
College Cost Calculator for Clarksville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,016
Total After Financial Aid
$90,016
Annual Cost
$22,504
Annual After Aid
$22,504
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,016 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,022 |
| Total Interest | $32,638 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,654 |
Universities in Clarksville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | Public | $9,312 |
| Nashville State Community College Clarksville | Community | $4,320 |
Clarksville has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clarksville vs. National Average
| Category | Clarksville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $838 | $1,050 | -$212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 | -10 |
Clarksville'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 Clarksville
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,015 students
Clarksville has a total population of 166,722, with approximately 10,015 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clarksville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clarksville
$48,956
Starting Salary
6.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clarksville earn a median starting salary of $48,956, which is $13,956 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,016 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,661 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
Chattanooga
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,648
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
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