College Costs in Kingsport, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Kingsport, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Kingsport Overview
Population
55,442
Student Population
4,065 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
90.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Kingsport
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,208
Total After Financial Aid
$97,208
Annual Cost
$24,302
Annual After Aid
$24,302
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,208 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,104 |
| Total Interest | $35,245 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,453 |
Universities in Kingsport
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsport State University | Public | $9,804 |
| Kingsport Community College | Community | $5,411 |
Kingsport has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kingsport vs. National Average
| Category | Kingsport | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.7 | 100 | -9.299999999999997 |
Kingsport'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 Kingsport
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,065 students
Kingsport has a total population of 55,442, with approximately 4,065 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kingsport offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kingsport
$28,687
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kingsport earn a median starting salary of $28,687, which is -$6,313 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,208 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,718 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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