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
Des Moines
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clinton
How we compile Clinton 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 Clinton 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: Clinton'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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