College Costs in Independence, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Independence, 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
$630
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Independence Overview
Population
42,743
Student Population
2,323 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
85.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Independence
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,348
Total After Financial Aid
$92,348
Annual Cost
$23,087
Annual After Aid
$23,087
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,348 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,049 |
| Total Interest | $33,483 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,831 |
Universities in Independence
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Independence State University | Public | $10,529 |
| Independence Community College | Community | $5,123 |
Independence has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Independence vs. National Average
| Category | Independence | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $630 | $1,050 | -$420 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.1 | 100 | -14.900000000000006 |
Independence'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 Independence
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,323 students
Independence has a total population of 42,743, with approximately 2,323 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Independence offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Independence
$35,781
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~118 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Independence earn a median starting salary of $35,781, which is $781 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,348 (including room and board), it would take approximately 118 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,389 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities