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College Costs in Estherville, IA 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Estherville, 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

$645

per month

Colleges & Universities

2

institutions

Estherville Overview

Population

19,400

Student Population

2,797 (14.4%)

Cost of Living Index

99.8 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

49/100

Transit Score

15/100

Unemployment Rate

2.7%

College Cost Calculator for Estherville

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$93,008

Total After Financial Aid

$93,008

Annual Cost

$23,252

Annual After Aid

$23,252

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$38,400
Room & Board$54,608

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$93,008
Monthly Payment$1,056
Total Interest$33,722
Total Loan Cost$126,730

Universities in Estherville

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Estherville State UniversityPublic$9,141
Estherville Community CollegeCommunity$5,337

Estherville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Estherville vs. National Average

CategoryEsthervilleNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$9,600$10,940-$1,340
Monthly Rent Near Campus$645$1,050-$405
Cost of Living Index99.8100-0.20000000000000284

Estherville's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in Estherville

49

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

15

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

14.4%

Student Population

2,797 students

Estherville has a total population of 19,400, with approximately 2,797 college students (14.4% of the population). Estherville has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Estherville

$38,100

Starting Salary

2.7%

Unemployment Rate

64%

Graduation Rate

~30 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Estherville earn a median starting salary of $38,100, which is $3,100 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 30 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,907 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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