College Costs in Columbus, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Columbus, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$822
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Columbus Overview
Population
2,100
Student Population
500 (23.8%)
Cost of Living Index
98 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Columbus
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,128
Total After Financial Aid
$83,128
Annual Cost
$20,782
Annual After Aid
$20,782
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,128 |
| Monthly Payment | $944 |
| Total Interest | $30,140 |
| Total Loan Cost | $113,268 |
Universities in Columbus
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus State University | Public | $8,029 |
| Columbus Community College | Community | $5,509 |
Columbus has 1 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) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $822 | $1,050 | -$228 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 100 | -2 |
Columbus's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Columbus
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
500 students
Columbus has a total population of 2,100, with approximately 500 college students (23.8% of the population). As a major college town, Columbus offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Columbus
$38,726
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Columbus earn a median starting salary of $38,726, which is $3,726 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,128 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,494 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Montana
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,884
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Bozeman
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Butte
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Kalispell
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1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Havre
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
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Evergreen
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
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