College Cost Planning in Clifton, TN 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Clifton, Tennessee. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Clifton as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$960
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Clifton
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$10,100
Private tuition
$32,000
Community college
$5,621
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
~25.4 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 25.4 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,077 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Clifton, TN?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Clifton is $10,100. Private university tuition averages $32,000, and community college tuition averages $5,621. When room and board ($13,084/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,184.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Clifton, TN?
Clifton uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,969, which represents 7.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Clifton?
The average rent near college campuses in Clifton is approximately $960 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 98.8 (national average is 100), a walk score of 39, and a public transit score of 13. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Clifton?
College graduates in Clifton earn a median starting salary of $38,645. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%. With an average financial aid package of $8,077 per student and a 49% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Clifton, TN?
With a median starting salary of $38,645 and an average 4-year public university cost of $92,736 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 25.4 years. The 49% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities