College Costs in Knoxville, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Knoxville, 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
$488
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Knoxville Overview
Population
43,950
Student Population
3,484 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
93.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Knoxville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,692
Total After Financial Aid
$89,692
Annual Cost
$22,423
Annual After Aid
$22,423
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,692 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,018 |
| Total Interest | $32,520 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,212 |
Universities in Knoxville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville State University | Public | $9,135 |
| Knoxville Community College | Community | $4,940 |
Knoxville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Knoxville vs. National Average
| Category | Knoxville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $488 | $1,050 | -$562 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.7 | 100 | -6.299999999999997 |
Knoxville'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 Knoxville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,484 students
Knoxville has a total population of 43,950, with approximately 3,484 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Knoxville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Knoxville
$41,954
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Knoxville earn a median starting salary of $41,954, which is $6,954 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,692 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,491 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Iowa
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10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,977
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
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