College Costs in Clive, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clive, 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
$486
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clive Overview
Population
18,905
Student Population
2,699 (14.3%)
Cost of Living Index
85.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Clive
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,844
Total After Financial Aid
$87,844
Annual Cost
$21,961
Annual After Aid
$21,961
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,844 |
| Monthly Payment | $997 |
| Total Interest | $31,850 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,694 |
Universities in Clive
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clive State University | Public | $9,451 |
| Clive Community College | Community | $5,436 |
Clive has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clive vs. National Average
| Category | Clive | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $486 | $1,050 | -$564 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.1 | 100 | -14.900000000000006 |
Clive'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 Clive
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,699 students
Clive has a total population of 18,905, with approximately 2,699 college students (14.3% of the population). Clive has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clive
$39,679
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~19 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clive earn a median starting salary of $39,679, which is $4,679 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,844 (including room and board), it would take approximately 19 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,022 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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