College Costs in Hot Springs, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Hot Springs, 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
$660
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Hot Springs Overview
Population
3,477
Student Population
500 (14.4%)
Cost of Living Index
92.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
31/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Hot Springs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,788
Total After Financial Aid
$96,788
Annual Cost
$24,197
Annual After Aid
$24,197
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,099 |
| Total Interest | $35,093 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,881 |
Universities in Hot Springs
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs State University | Public | $10,074 |
| Hot Springs Community College | Community | $5,521 |
Hot Springs has 1 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) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 100 | -7.299999999999997 |
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
500 students
Hot Springs has a total population of 3,477, with approximately 500 college students (14.4% of the population). Hot Springs has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hot Springs
$36,690
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~57 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hot Springs earn a median starting salary of $36,690, which is $1,690 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 57 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,630 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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