College Costs in Independence, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Independence, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$447
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Independence Overview
Population
8,651
Student Population
887 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
85.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
11/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Independence
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,800
Total After Financial Aid
$94,800
Annual Cost
$23,700
Annual After Aid
$23,700
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,076 |
| Total Interest | $34,372 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,172 |
Universities in Independence
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Independence State University | Public | $10,094 |
| Independence Community College | Community | $4,937 |
Independence has 1 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) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $447 | $1,050 | -$603 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.4 | 100 | -14.599999999999994 |
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
887 students
Independence has a total population of 8,651, with approximately 887 college students (10.3% of the population). Independence has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Independence
$35,354
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~268 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Independence earn a median starting salary of $35,354, which is $354 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 268 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,710 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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