College Costs in Clifton, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clifton, 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
$960
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clifton Overview
Population
26,647
Student Population
1,969 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
98.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Clifton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,736
Total After Financial Aid
$92,736
Annual Cost
$23,184
Annual After Aid
$23,184
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,736 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,053 |
| Total Interest | $33,624 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,360 |
Universities in Clifton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton State University | Public | $10,286 |
| Clifton Community College | Community | $5,621 |
Clifton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clifton vs. National Average
| Category | Clifton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $960 | $1,050 | -$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.8 | 100 | -1.2000000000000028 |
Clifton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Clifton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,969 students
Clifton has a total population of 26,647, with approximately 1,969 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clifton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clifton
$38,645
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clifton earn a median starting salary of $38,645, which is $3,645 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,736 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,077 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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clifton
How we compile Clifton 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 Clifton 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: Clifton'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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