College Cost Planning in Gardner, KS 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Gardner, Kansas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Gardner 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$504
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Gardner
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
2
Public tuition
$10,000
Private tuition
$28,000
Community college
$4,778
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
~12.1 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 12.1 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,920 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Kansas
Wichita
20 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Overland Park
13 colleges · Avg tuition $3,564
Topeka
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Lawrence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $5,898
Manhattan
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,383
Emporia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $6,716
Kansas City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Olathe
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Shawnee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Lenexa
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Salina
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Hutchinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Gardner
How we compile Gardner 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 Gardner 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: Gardner'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 Gardner, KS?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Gardner is $10,000. Private university tuition averages $28,000, and community college tuition averages $4,778. When room and board ($13,537/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,537.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Gardner, KS?
Gardner uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,799, which represents 7.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Gardner?
The average rent near college campuses in Gardner is approximately $504 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 82.9 (national average is 100), a walk score of 35, and a public transit score of 13. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Gardner?
College graduates in Gardner earn a median starting salary of $42,759. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%. With an average financial aid package of $9,920 per student and a 51% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Gardner, KS?
With a median starting salary of $42,759 and an average 4-year public university cost of $94,148 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 12.1 years. The 51% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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