College Costs in Gary, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Gary, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$693
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Gary Overview
Population
69,093
Student Population
4,159 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
87.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Gary
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,600
Total After Financial Aid
$90,600
Annual Cost
$22,650
Annual After Aid
$22,650
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,029 |
| Total Interest | $32,849 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,449 |
Universities in Gary
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gary State University | Public | $10,930 |
| Gary Community College | Community | $5,265 |
Gary has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gary vs. National Average
| Category | Gary | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $693 | $1,050 | -$357 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.4 | 100 | -12.599999999999994 |
Gary'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 Gary
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,159 students
Gary has a total population of 69,093, with approximately 4,159 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gary offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gary
$38,301
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~27 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gary earn a median starting salary of $38,301, which is $3,301 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,600 (including room and board), it would take approximately 27 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,678 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Indiana
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25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Fort Wayne
24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
Evansville
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,448
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9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,463
Bloomington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,948
Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Terre Haute
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,570
Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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