College Costs in Hastings, NE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hastings, Nebraska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$609
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hastings Overview
Population
25,269
Student Population
1,567 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
80.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Hastings
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,984
Total After Financial Aid
$89,984
Annual Cost
$22,496
Annual After Aid
$22,496
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,984 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,022 |
| Total Interest | $32,626 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,610 |
Universities in Hastings
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hastings State University | Public | $9,996 |
| Hastings Community College | Community | $4,814 |
Hastings has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hastings vs. National Average
| Category | Hastings | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $609 | $1,050 | -$441 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80.7 | 100 | -19.299999999999997 |
Hastings'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 Hastings
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,567 students
Hastings has a total population of 25,269, with approximately 1,567 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Hastings offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hastings
$38,955
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hastings earn a median starting salary of $38,955, which is $3,955 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,984 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,165 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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