College Costs in Kirkwood, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Kirkwood, 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
$612
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Kirkwood Overview
Population
27,887
Student Population
2,670 (9.6%)
Cost of Living Index
90 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Kirkwood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,552
Total After Financial Aid
$93,552
Annual Cost
$23,388
Annual After Aid
$23,388
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,552 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,062 |
| Total Interest | $33,920 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,472 |
Universities in Kirkwood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood State University | Public | $10,241 |
| Kirkwood Community College | Community | $5,272 |
Kirkwood has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kirkwood vs. National Average
| Category | Kirkwood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $612 | $1,050 | -$438 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 | -10 |
Kirkwood'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 Kirkwood
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,670 students
Kirkwood has a total population of 27,887, with approximately 2,670 college students (9.6% of the population). Kirkwood has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kirkwood
$40,844
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kirkwood earn a median starting salary of $40,844, which is $5,844 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,552 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,253 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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