College Costs in Fairfield, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Fairfield, 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
$405
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Fairfield Overview
Population
9,464
Student Population
585 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
85.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Fairfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,516
Total After Financial Aid
$94,516
Annual Cost
$23,629
Annual After Aid
$23,629
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,073 |
| Total Interest | $34,269 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,785 |
Universities in Fairfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield State University | Public | $10,379 |
| Fairfield Community College | Community | $5,257 |
Fairfield has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairfield vs. National Average
| Category | Fairfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $405 | $1,050 | -$645 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.9 | 100 | -14.099999999999994 |
Fairfield'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 Fairfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
585 students
Fairfield has a total population of 9,464, with approximately 585 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fairfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairfield
$34,048
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairfield earn a median starting salary of $34,048, which is -$952 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,435 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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