College Costs in Dayton, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Dayton, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$666
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Dayton Overview
Population
7,191
Student Population
1,963 (27.3%)
Cost of Living Index
92.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
11/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Dayton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,420
Total After Financial Aid
$91,420
Annual Cost
$22,855
Annual After Aid
$22,855
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,420 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,038 |
| Total Interest | $33,147 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,567 |
Universities in Dayton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton State University | Public | $9,827 |
| Dayton Community College | Community | $5,170 |
Dayton has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dayton vs. National Average
| Category | Dayton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $666 | $1,050 | -$384 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.8 | 100 | -7.200000000000003 |
Dayton'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 Dayton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,963 students
Dayton has a total population of 7,191, with approximately 1,963 college students (27.3% of the population). As a major college town, Dayton offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dayton
$31,689
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dayton earn a median starting salary of $31,689, which is -$3,311 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,420 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,893 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
Cookeville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
Franklin
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Jackson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
Hendersonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,100
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