College Cost Planning in Evansville, IN 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Evansville, Indiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Evansville as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,448
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,316
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$974
per month
Local Cost Market
10
benchmark points
Evansville Overview
Population
117,298
Student Population
6,663 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
86 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
34/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Evansville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$79,492
Total After Financial Aid
$79,492
Annual Cost
$19,873
Annual After Aid
$19,873
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $79,492 |
| Monthly Payment | $903 |
| Total Interest | $28,822 |
| Total Loan Cost | $108,314 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Evansville
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
10
Public tuition
$8,448
Private tuition
$42,316
Community college
$4,540
Cost of Living in Evansville vs. National Average
| Category | Evansville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,448 | $10,940 | -$2,492 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $974 | $1,050 | -$76 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 100 | -14 |
Evansville'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 Evansville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,663 students
Evansville has a total population of 117,298, with approximately 6,663 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Evansville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Evansville
$52,737
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~4.5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Evansville earn a median starting salary of $52,737, which is $17,737 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.5 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $12,482 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Indiana
Indianapolis
25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Fort Wayne
24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
South Bend
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,463
Bloomington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,948
Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Terre Haute
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,570
Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Gary
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Evansville
How we compile Evansville college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Evansville institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Evansville's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Evansville, IN?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Evansville is $8,448. Private university tuition averages $42,316, and community college tuition averages $4,540. When room and board ($11,425/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $19,873.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Evansville, IN?
Evansville uses approximately 10 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 6,663, which represents 5.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Evansville?
The average rent near college campuses in Evansville is approximately $974 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 86 (national average is 100), a walk score of 46, and a public transit score of 34. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Evansville?
College graduates in Evansville earn a median starting salary of $52,737. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%. With an average financial aid package of $12,482 per student and a 57% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Evansville, IN?
With a median starting salary of $52,737 and an average 4-year public university cost of $79,492 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.5 years. The 57% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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