College Costs in Custer, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Custer, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$570
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Custer Overview
Population
2,048
Student Population
1,197 (58.4%)
Cost of Living Index
90 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Custer
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,628
Total After Financial Aid
$92,628
Annual Cost
$23,157
Annual After Aid
$23,157
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,052 |
| Total Interest | $33,585 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,213 |
Universities in Custer
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Custer State University | Public | $10,350 |
| Custer Community College | Community | $4,854 |
Custer has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Custer vs. National Average
| Category | Custer | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $570 | $1,050 | -$480 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 | -10 |
Custer'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 Custer
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,197 students
Custer has a total population of 2,048, with approximately 1,197 college students (58.4% of the population). As a major college town, Custer offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Custer
$33,300
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Custer earn a median starting salary of $33,300, which is -$1,700 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,933 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Dakota
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
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Vermillion
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Watertown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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