College Costs in Clear Lake, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clear Lake, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$450
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clear Lake Overview
Population
20,570
Student Population
1,720 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
87.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Clear Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,408
Total After Financial Aid
$91,408
Annual Cost
$22,852
Annual After Aid
$22,852
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,038 |
| Total Interest | $33,142 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,550 |
Universities in Clear Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake State University | Public | $9,559 |
| Clear Lake Community College | Community | $5,649 |
Clear Lake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clear Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Clear Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $450 | $1,050 | -$600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.5 | 100 | -12.5 |
Clear Lake'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 Clear Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,720 students
Clear Lake has a total population of 20,570, with approximately 1,720 college students (8.4% of the population). Clear Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clear Lake
$38,256
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~28 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clear Lake earn a median starting salary of $38,256, which is $3,256 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 28 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,128 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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