College Costs in Kearney, NE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Kearney, Nebraska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$615
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Kearney Overview
Population
34,089
Student Population
2,754 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
89.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Kearney
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,148
Total After Financial Aid
$89,148
Annual Cost
$22,287
Annual After Aid
$22,287
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,148 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,012 |
| Total Interest | $32,323 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,471 |
Universities in Kearney
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kearney State University | Public | $9,254 |
| Kearney Community College | Community | $5,458 |
Kearney has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kearney vs. National Average
| Category | Kearney | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $615 | $1,050 | -$435 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.2 | 100 | -10.799999999999997 |
Kearney'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 Kearney
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,754 students
Kearney has a total population of 34,089, with approximately 2,754 college students (8.1% of the population). Kearney has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kearney
$37,513
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~35 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kearney earn a median starting salary of $37,513, which is $2,513 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,148 (including room and board), it would take approximately 35 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,317 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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