College Costs in Hartford, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hartford, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$705
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hartford Overview
Population
21,412
Student Population
2,315 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
88.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
College Cost Calculator for Hartford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,172
Total After Financial Aid
$89,172
Annual Cost
$22,293
Annual After Aid
$22,293
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,172 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,013 |
| Total Interest | $32,332 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,504 |
Universities in Hartford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford State University | Public | $8,904 |
| Hartford Community College | Community | $5,512 |
Hartford has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hartford vs. National Average
| Category | Hartford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $705 | $1,050 | -$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 100 | -11.599999999999994 |
Hartford'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 Hartford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,315 students
Hartford has a total population of 21,412, with approximately 2,315 college students (10.8% of the population). Hartford has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hartford
$34,366
Starting Salary
1.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hartford earn a median starting salary of $34,366, which is -$634 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,172 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,166 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Dakota
Sioux Falls
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,703
Rapid City
7 colleges · Avg tuition $12,090
Aberdeen
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Brookings
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,308
Vermillion
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,482
Watertown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Mitchell
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Yankton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Pierre
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Huron
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Brandon (SD)
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Spearfish
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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