College Costs in Fort Dodge, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fort Dodge, 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
$438
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fort Dodge Overview
Population
24,168
Student Population
3,186 (13.2%)
Cost of Living Index
80.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Dodge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,256
Total After Financial Aid
$88,256
Annual Cost
$22,064
Annual After Aid
$22,064
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,256 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,002 |
| Total Interest | $31,999 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,255 |
Universities in Fort Dodge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge State University | Public | $10,158 |
| Fort Dodge Community College | Community | $5,147 |
Fort Dodge has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fort Dodge vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Dodge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $438 | $1,050 | -$612 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80.7 | 100 | -19.299999999999997 |
Fort Dodge'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 Fort Dodge
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,186 students
Fort Dodge has a total population of 24,168, with approximately 3,186 college students (13.2% of the population). Fort Dodge has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Dodge
$37,305
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~38 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Dodge earn a median starting salary of $37,305, which is $2,305 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,256 (including room and board), it would take approximately 38 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,494 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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