College Costs in Helena, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Helena, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$522
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Helena Overview
Population
21,517
Student Population
2,596 (12.1%)
Cost of Living Index
83.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Helena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,216
Total After Financial Aid
$99,216
Annual Cost
$24,804
Annual After Aid
$24,804
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,216 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,127 |
| Total Interest | $35,973 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,189 |
Universities in Helena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Helena State University | Public | $10,374 |
| Helena Community College | Community | $5,262 |
Helena has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Helena vs. National Average
| Category | Helena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $522 | $1,050 | -$528 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.4 | 100 | -16.599999999999994 |
Helena'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 Helena
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,596 students
Helena has a total population of 21,517, with approximately 2,596 college students (12.1% of the population). Helena has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Helena
$27,990
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Helena earn a median starting salary of $27,990, which is -$7,010 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,216 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,213 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
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