College Costs in Indianola, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Indianola, 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
$537
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Indianola Overview
Population
16,112
Student Population
1,087 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
85.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Indianola
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,772
Total After Financial Aid
$88,772
Annual Cost
$22,193
Annual After Aid
$22,193
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,772 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,008 |
| Total Interest | $32,187 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,959 |
Universities in Indianola
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Indianola State University | Public | $8,972 |
| Indianola Community College | Community | $4,739 |
Indianola has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Indianola vs. National Average
| Category | Indianola | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $537 | $1,050 | -$513 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.2 | 100 | -14.799999999999997 |
Indianola'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 Indianola
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,087 students
Indianola has a total population of 16,112, with approximately 1,087 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Indianola offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Indianola
$41,337
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Indianola earn a median starting salary of $41,337, which is $6,337 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,772 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,059 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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