College Costs in El Dorado, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in El Dorado, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$23,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$471
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
El Dorado Overview
Population
17,737
Student Population
1,440 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
78.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for El Dorado
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,788
Total After Financial Aid
$85,788
Annual Cost
$21,447
Annual After Aid
$21,447
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $974 |
| Total Interest | $31,105 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,893 |
Universities in El Dorado
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| El Dorado State University | Public | $9,057 |
| El Dorado Community College | Community | $4,788 |
El Dorado has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in El Dorado vs. National Average
| Category | El Dorado | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $471 | $1,050 | -$579 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.1 | 100 | -21.900000000000006 |
El Dorado'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 El Dorado
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,440 students
El Dorado has a total population of 17,737, with approximately 1,440 college students (8.1% of the population). El Dorado has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in El Dorado
$28,694
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in El Dorado earn a median starting salary of $28,694, which is -$6,306 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,603 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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