College Costs in Hot Springs, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$23,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$555
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hot Springs Overview
Population
38,697
Student Population
2,978 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
82.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Hot Springs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,360
Total After Financial Aid
$86,360
Annual Cost
$21,590
Annual After Aid
$21,590
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $981 |
| Total Interest | $31,312 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,672 |
Universities in Hot Springs
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs State University | Public | $8,680 |
| Hot Springs Community College | Community | $4,691 |
Hot Springs has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hot Springs vs. National Average
| Category | Hot Springs | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $555 | $1,050 | -$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.8 | 100 | -17.200000000000003 |
Hot Springs'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 Hot Springs
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,978 students
Hot Springs has a total population of 38,697, with approximately 2,978 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Hot Springs offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hot Springs
$22,333
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hot Springs earn a median starting salary of $22,333, which is -$12,667 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,658 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arkansas
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Bentonville
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Benton
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