College Costs in Cleveland, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Cleveland, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$873
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Cleveland Overview
Population
47,014
Student Population
4,136 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
88.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Cleveland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,864
Total After Financial Aid
$95,864
Annual Cost
$23,966
Annual After Aid
$23,966
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,864 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,089 |
| Total Interest | $34,758 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,622 |
Universities in Cleveland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State University | Public | $10,105 |
| Cleveland Community College | Community | $4,999 |
Cleveland has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cleveland vs. National Average
| Category | Cleveland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $873 | $1,050 | -$177 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.2 | 100 | -11.799999999999997 |
Cleveland'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 Cleveland
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,136 students
Cleveland has a total population of 47,014, with approximately 4,136 college students (8.8% of the population). Cleveland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cleveland
$37,159
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~44 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cleveland earn a median starting salary of $37,159, which is $2,159 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,864 (including room and board), it would take approximately 44 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,846 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
Clarksville
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
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
Franklin
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Jackson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Hendersonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
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