College Costs in Johnson City, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Johnson City, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,917
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$760
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Johnson City Overview
Population
66,677
Student Population
5,019 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
105 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Johnson City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,376
Total After Financial Aid
$93,376
Annual Cost
$23,344
Annual After Aid
$23,344
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,060 |
| Total Interest | $33,856 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,232 |
Universities in Johnson City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University | Public | $9,312 |
| Northeast State Community College | Community | $4,320 |
Johnson City has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Johnson City vs. National Average
| Category | Johnson City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $760 | $1,050 | -$290 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 100 | +5 |
Johnson City's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Johnson City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,019 students
Johnson City has a total population of 66,677, with approximately 5,019 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Johnson City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Johnson City
$44,926
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Johnson City earn a median starting salary of $44,926, which is $9,926 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,259 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,792
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Clarksville
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Murfreesboro
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Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
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