College Costs in Clinton, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clinton, 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
$474
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clinton Overview
Population
24,113
Student Population
1,794 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
78.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Clinton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,280
Total After Financial Aid
$89,280
Annual Cost
$22,320
Annual After Aid
$22,320
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,280 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,014 |
| Total Interest | $32,371 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,651 |
Universities in Clinton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clinton State University | Public | $8,714 |
| Clinton Community College | Community | $4,940 |
Clinton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clinton vs. National Average
| Category | Clinton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $474 | $1,050 | -$576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.6 | 100 | -21.400000000000006 |
Clinton'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 Clinton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,794 students
Clinton has a total population of 24,113, with approximately 1,794 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clinton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clinton
$41,655
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clinton earn a median starting salary of $41,655, which is $6,655 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,280 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,213 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Iowa
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