College Costs in Johnston, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Johnston, 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
$534
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Johnston Overview
Population
23,353
Student Population
2,153 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
84.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Johnston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,452
Total After Financial Aid
$94,452
Annual Cost
$23,613
Annual After Aid
$23,613
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,452 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,072 |
| Total Interest | $34,246 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,698 |
Universities in Johnston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston State University | Public | $8,748 |
| Johnston Community College | Community | $4,832 |
Johnston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Johnston vs. National Average
| Category | Johnston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $534 | $1,050 | -$516 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.3 | 100 | -15.700000000000003 |
Johnston'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 Johnston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,153 students
Johnston has a total population of 23,353, with approximately 2,153 college students (9.2% of the population). Johnston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Johnston
$37,663
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~35 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Johnston earn a median starting salary of $37,663, which is $2,663 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,452 (including room and board), it would take approximately 35 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,587 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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