College Costs in Gardner, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Gardner, 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
$504
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Gardner Overview
Population
23,364
Student Population
1,799 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
82.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Gardner
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,148
Total After Financial Aid
$94,148
Annual Cost
$23,537
Annual After Aid
$23,537
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,148 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,069 |
| Total Interest | $34,136 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,284 |
Universities in Gardner
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gardner State University | Public | $9,547 |
| Gardner Community College | Community | $4,778 |
Gardner has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gardner vs. National Average
| Category | Gardner | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $504 | $1,050 | -$546 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.9 | 100 | -17.099999999999994 |
Gardner'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 Gardner
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,799 students
Gardner has a total population of 23,364, with approximately 1,799 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gardner offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gardner
$42,759
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gardner earn a median starting salary of $42,759, which is $7,759 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,148 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,920 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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