College Cost Planning in Fort Madison, IA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Fort Madison, Iowa. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Fort Madison 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$483
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Fort Madison Overview
Population
10,715
Student Population
1,694 (15.8%)
Cost of Living Index
81.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Madison
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,600
Total After Financial Aid
$91,600
Annual Cost
$22,900
Annual After Aid
$22,900
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,040 |
| Total Interest | $33,212 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,812 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Fort Madison
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
1
Public tuition
$9,600
Private tuition
$34,000
Community college
$5,208
Cost of Living in Fort Madison vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Madison | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $483 | $1,050 | -$567 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.1 | 100 | -18.900000000000006 |
Fort Madison'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 Madison
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,694 students
Fort Madison has a total population of 10,715, with approximately 1,694 college students (15.8% of the population). As a major college town, Fort Madison offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Madison
$29,641
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Madison earn a median starting salary of $29,641, which is $5,359 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $14,336 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Fort Madison
How we compile Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison 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: Fort Madison'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 Fort Madison, IA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Fort Madison is $9,600. Private university tuition averages $34,000, and community college tuition averages $5,208. When room and board ($13,300/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,900.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Fort Madison, IA?
Fort Madison uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,694, which represents 15.8% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Fort Madison?
The average rent near college campuses in Fort Madison is approximately $483 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 81.1 (national average is 100), a walk score of 41, and a public transit score of 19. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Fort Madison?
College graduates in Fort Madison earn a median starting salary of $29,641. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%. With an average financial aid package of $14,336 per student and a 70% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Fort Madison, IA?
With a median starting salary of $29,641 and an average 4-year public university cost of $91,600 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities