College Costs in Columbus, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Columbus, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$537
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Columbus Overview
Population
48,820
Student Population
2,895 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
80.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Columbus
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,240
Total After Financial Aid
$92,240
Annual Cost
$23,060
Annual After Aid
$23,060
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,240 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,047 |
| Total Interest | $33,444 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,684 |
Universities in Columbus
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus State University | Public | $10,277 |
| Columbus Community College | Community | $5,081 |
Columbus has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Columbus vs. National Average
| Category | Columbus | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $537 | $1,050 | -$513 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80.5 | 100 | -19.5 |
Columbus'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 Columbus
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,895 students
Columbus has a total population of 48,820, with approximately 2,895 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Columbus offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Columbus
$30,197
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Columbus earn a median starting salary of $30,197, which is -$4,803 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,240 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,019 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Indiana
Indianapolis
25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Fort Wayne
24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
Evansville
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,448
South Bend
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,463
Bloomington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,948
Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Terre Haute
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,570
Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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