College Costs in Cookeville, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Cookeville, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$29,841
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,164
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Cookeville Overview
Population
35,691
Student Population
1,783 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
76 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cookeville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,600
Total After Financial Aid
$89,600
Annual Cost
$22,400
Annual After Aid
$22,400
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,017 |
| Total Interest | $32,487 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,087 |
Universities in Cookeville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Technological University | Public | $9,312 |
| Volunteer State Community College Cookeville | Community | $4,320 |
Cookeville has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cookeville vs. National Average
| Category | Cookeville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,164 | $1,050 | +$114 |
| Cost of Living Index | 76 | 100 | -24 |
Cookeville'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 Cookeville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,783 students
Cookeville has a total population of 35,691, with approximately 1,783 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cookeville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cookeville
$47,654
Starting Salary
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cookeville earn a median starting salary of $47,654, which is $12,654 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,600 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,033 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
35 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Memphis
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
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
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