College Costs in Decatur, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Decatur, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$495
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Decatur Overview
Population
57,938
Student Population
4,715 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
82.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Decatur
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,268
Total After Financial Aid
$94,268
Annual Cost
$23,567
Annual After Aid
$23,567
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,268 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,070 |
| Total Interest | $34,179 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,447 |
Universities in Decatur
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur State University | Public | $12,030 |
| Decatur Community College | Community | $5,395 |
Decatur has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Decatur vs. National Average
| Category | Decatur | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $495 | $1,050 | -$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.8 | 100 | -17.200000000000003 |
Decatur'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 Decatur
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,715 students
Decatur has a total population of 57,938, with approximately 4,715 college students (8.1% of the population). Decatur has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Decatur
$24,582
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Decatur earn a median starting salary of $24,582, which is -$10,418 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,268 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,730 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
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21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Vestavia Hills
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
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