College Costs in Gainesville, GA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Gainesville, Georgia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$897
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Gainesville Overview
Population
44,252
Student Population
2,494 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
84.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Gainesville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,900
Total After Financial Aid
$92,900
Annual Cost
$23,225
Annual After Aid
$23,225
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,900 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,055 |
| Total Interest | $33,683 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,583 |
Universities in Gainesville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville State University | Public | $10,539 |
| Gainesville Community College | Community | $5,441 |
Gainesville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gainesville vs. National Average
| Category | Gainesville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $897 | $1,050 | -$153 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.3 | 100 | -15.700000000000003 |
Gainesville'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 Gainesville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,494 students
Gainesville has a total population of 44,252, with approximately 2,494 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gainesville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gainesville
$35,981
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~95 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gainesville earn a median starting salary of $35,981, which is $981 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,900 (including room and board), it would take approximately 95 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,856 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Georgia
Atlanta
23 colleges · Avg tuition $10,828
Augusta
11 colleges · Avg tuition $9,540
Macon
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,056
Savannah
12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,268
Athens
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,080
Valdosta
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,168
Statesboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,316
Milledgeville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,316
Columbus
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Sandy Springs
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Roswell
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Johns Creek
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
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