College Costs in Jackson, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Jackson, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$561
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Jackson Overview
Population
15,252
Student Population
1,486 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
86.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Jackson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,344
Total After Financial Aid
$92,344
Annual Cost
$23,086
Annual After Aid
$23,086
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,344 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,049 |
| Total Interest | $33,482 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,826 |
Universities in Jackson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | Public | $10,786 |
| Jackson Community College | Community | $4,910 |
Jackson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Jackson vs. National Average
| Category | Jackson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $561 | $1,050 | -$489 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.2 | 100 | -13.799999999999997 |
Jackson'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 Jackson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,486 students
Jackson has a total population of 15,252, with approximately 1,486 college students (9.7% of the population). Jackson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Jackson
$36,221
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
~76 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Jackson earn a median starting salary of $36,221, which is $1,221 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,344 (including room and board), it would take approximately 76 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,758 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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