College Costs in Council Bluffs, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$495
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Council Bluffs Overview
Population
62,230
Student Population
4,990 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
85.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Council Bluffs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,648
Total After Financial Aid
$94,648
Annual Cost
$23,662
Annual After Aid
$23,662
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,648 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,075 |
| Total Interest | $34,317 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,965 |
Universities in Council Bluffs
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Council Bluffs State University | Public | $9,230 |
| Council Bluffs Community College | Community | $5,346 |
Council Bluffs has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Council Bluffs vs. National Average
| Category | Council Bluffs | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $495 | $1,050 | -$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.2 | 100 | -14.799999999999997 |
Council Bluffs'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 Council Bluffs
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,990 students
Council Bluffs has a total population of 62,230, with approximately 4,990 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Council Bluffs offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Council Bluffs
$31,872
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Council Bluffs earn a median starting salary of $31,872, which is -$3,128 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,648 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,253 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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