College Costs in Fairhope, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fairhope, 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
$483
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fairhope Overview
Population
22,477
Student Population
1,453 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
83.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Fairhope
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,176
Total After Financial Aid
$97,176
Annual Cost
$24,294
Annual After Aid
$24,294
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,176 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,103 |
| Total Interest | $35,234 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,410 |
Universities in Fairhope
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairhope State University | Public | $11,625 |
| Fairhope Community College | Community | $5,175 |
Fairhope has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairhope vs. National Average
| Category | Fairhope | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $483 | $1,050 | -$567 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.7 | 100 | -16.299999999999997 |
Fairhope'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 Fairhope
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,453 students
Fairhope has a total population of 22,477, with approximately 1,453 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fairhope offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairhope
$30,533
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairhope earn a median starting salary of $30,533, which is -$4,467 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,176 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,702 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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