College Cost Planning in Horn Lake, MS 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Horn Lake, Mississippi. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Horn Lake 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$438
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Horn Lake Overview
Population
27,523
Student Population
3,133 (11.4%)
Cost of Living Index
78.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Horn Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,448
Total After Financial Aid
$85,448
Annual Cost
$21,362
Annual After Aid
$21,362
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,448 |
| Monthly Payment | $970 |
| Total Interest | $30,981 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,429 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Horn Lake
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
$8,700
Private tuition
$22,000
Community college
$4,917
Cost of Living in Horn Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Horn Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $438 | $1,050 | -$612 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.9 | 100 | -21.099999999999994 |
Horn Lake'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 Horn Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,133 students
Horn Lake has a total population of 27,523, with approximately 3,133 college students (11.4% of the population). Horn Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Horn Lake
$29,699
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Horn Lake earn a median starting salary of $29,699, which is $5,301 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $10,125 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Mississippi
Jackson
11 colleges · Avg tuition $8,684
Hattiesburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,360
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,152
Starkville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,392
Gulfport
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Southaven
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Biloxi
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Olive Branch
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Tupelo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Meridian
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Brandon
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Madison
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Horn Lake
How we compile Horn Lake 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Horn Lake institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Horn Lake's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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 Horn Lake, MS?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Horn Lake is $8,700. Private university tuition averages $22,000, and community college tuition averages $4,917. When room and board ($12,662/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $21,362.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Horn Lake, MS?
Horn Lake uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 3,133, which represents 11.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Horn Lake?
The average rent near college campuses in Horn Lake is approximately $438 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 78.9 (national average is 100), a walk score of 35, and a public transit score of 26. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Horn Lake?
College graduates in Horn Lake earn a median starting salary of $29,699. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%. With an average financial aid package of $10,125 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 Horn Lake, MS?
With a median starting salary of $29,699 and an average 4-year public university cost of $85,448 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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