DegreeCalc

College Cost Planning in Gas City, IN 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Gas City, Indiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Gas City 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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

$10,200

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$34,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$705

per month

Local Cost Market

2

benchmark points

Gas City Overview

Population

26,986

Student Population

1,474 (5.5%)

Cost of Living Index

97.7 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

46/100

Transit Score

21/100

Unemployment Rate

3.4%

College Cost Calculator for Gas City

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$96,448

Total After Financial Aid

$96,448

Annual Cost

$24,112

Annual After Aid

$24,112

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$40,800
Room & Board$55,648

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$96,448
Monthly Payment$1,095
Total Interest$34,970
Total Loan Cost$131,418

Education Cost Benchmarks in Gas City

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

$10,200

Private tuition

$34,000

Community college

$4,973

Cost of Living in Gas City vs. National Average

CategoryGas CityNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$10,200$10,940-$740
Monthly Rent Near Campus$705$1,050-$345
Cost of Living Index97.7100-2.299999999999997

Gas City's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in Gas City

46

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

21

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.5%

Student Population

1,474 students

Gas City has a total population of 26,986, with approximately 1,474 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gas City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Gas City

$37,689

Starting Salary

3.4%

Unemployment Rate

67%

Graduation Rate

~35.9 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Gas City earn a median starting salary of $37,689, which is $2,689 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 35.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,325 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Indiana

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Gas City

How we compile Gas City 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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Gas City institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Gas City's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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 Gas City, IN?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Gas City is $10,200. Private university tuition averages $34,000, and community college tuition averages $4,973. When room and board ($13,912/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $24,112.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Gas City, IN?

Gas City uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,474, which represents 5.5% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Gas City?

The average rent near college campuses in Gas City is approximately $705 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 97.7 (national average is 100), a walk score of 46, and a public transit score of 21. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Gas City?

College graduates in Gas City earn a median starting salary of $37,689. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%. With an average financial aid package of $9,325 per student and a 67% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Gas City, IN?

With a median starting salary of $37,689 and an average 4-year public university cost of $96,448 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 35.9 years. The 67% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

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