College Costs in Harlan, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Harlan, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$675
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Harlan Overview
Population
19,585
Student Population
2,010 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
99.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Harlan
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,924
Total After Financial Aid
$93,924
Annual Cost
$23,481
Annual After Aid
$23,481
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,924 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,066 |
| Total Interest | $34,055 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,979 |
Universities in Harlan
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harlan State University | Public | $9,672 |
| Harlan Community College | Community | $5,964 |
Harlan has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Harlan vs. National Average
| Category | Harlan | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $675 | $1,050 | -$375 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.5 | 100 | -0.5 |
Harlan's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Harlan
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,010 students
Harlan has a total population of 19,585, with approximately 2,010 college students (10.3% of the population). Harlan has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Harlan
$37,493
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~38 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Harlan earn a median starting salary of $37,493, which is $2,493 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,924 (including room and board), it would take approximately 38 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,078 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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