College Costs in Columbus, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 31 colleges in Columbus, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,936
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$25,555
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,012
per month
Colleges & Universities
31
institutions
Columbus Overview
Population
905,748
Student Population
31,081 (3.4%)
Cost of Living Index
103 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
82/100
Transit Score
58/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Columbus
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,652
Total After Financial Aid
$92,652
Annual Cost
$23,163
Annual After Aid
$23,163
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,652 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,052 |
| Total Interest | $33,593 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,245 |
Universities in Columbus
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Public | $11,936 |
| Capital University | Private | $39,426 |
| Franklin University | Private | $11,683 |
| Columbus State Community College | Community | $5,016 |
Columbus has 31 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) | $11,936 | $10,940 | +$996 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,012 | $1,050 | -$38 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3 |
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
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
31,081 students
Columbus has a total population of 905,748, with approximately 31,081 college students (3.4% 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
$50,973
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Columbus earn a median starting salary of $50,973, which is $15,973 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,652 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,971 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
Cleveland
20 colleges · Avg tuition $11,270
Cincinnati
28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities