College Costs in Ida Grove, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Ida Grove, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$593
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Ida Grove Overview
Population
49,355
Student Population
4,068 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
94.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Ida Grove
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,304
Total After Financial Aid
$90,304
Annual Cost
$22,576
Annual After Aid
$22,576
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,304 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,025 |
| Total Interest | $32,742 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,046 |
Universities in Ida Grove
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ida Grove State University | Public | $9,875 |
| Ida Grove Community College | Community | $5,862 |
Ida Grove has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ida Grove vs. National Average
| Category | Ida Grove | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $593 | $1,050 | -$457 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.4 | 100 | -5.599999999999994 |
Ida Grove'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 Ida Grove
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,068 students
Ida Grove has a total population of 49,355, with approximately 4,068 college students (8.2% of the population). Ida Grove has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ida Grove
$37,976
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~30 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ida Grove earn a median starting salary of $37,976, which is $2,976 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,304 (including room and board), it would take approximately 30 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,402 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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