College Costs in Columbia, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Columbia, 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
$726
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Columbia Overview
Population
40,834
Student Population
2,439 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
91.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Columbia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,892
Total After Financial Aid
$96,892
Annual Cost
$24,223
Annual After Aid
$24,223
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,100 |
| Total Interest | $35,131 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,023 |
Universities in Columbia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia State University | Public | $9,352 |
| Columbia Community College | Community | $5,430 |
Columbia has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Columbia vs. National Average
| Category | Columbia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $726 | $1,050 | -$324 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 100 | -8.900000000000006 |
Columbia'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 Columbia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,439 students
Columbia has a total population of 40,834, with approximately 2,439 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Columbia offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Columbia
$34,402
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Columbia earn a median starting salary of $34,402, which is -$598 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,892 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,877 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
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35 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
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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
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