College Costs in Garden City, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Garden City, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$516
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Garden City Overview
Population
28,451
Student Population
3,378 (11.9%)
Cost of Living Index
88.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Garden City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,016
Total After Financial Aid
$92,016
Annual Cost
$23,004
Annual After Aid
$23,004
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,016 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,045 |
| Total Interest | $33,363 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,379 |
Universities in Garden City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Garden City State University | Public | $9,573 |
| Garden City Community College | Community | $5,107 |
Garden City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Garden City vs. National Average
| Category | Garden City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $516 | $1,050 | -$534 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.3 | 100 | -11.700000000000003 |
Garden City'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 Garden City
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,378 students
Garden City has a total population of 28,451, with approximately 3,378 college students (11.9% of the population). Garden City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Garden City
$36,552
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~59 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Garden City earn a median starting salary of $36,552, which is $1,552 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,016 (including room and board), it would take approximately 59 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,902 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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