College Costs in Lafayette, LA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Lafayette, Louisiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,374
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,796
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$962
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Lafayette Overview
Population
121,374
Student Population
12,196 (10.0%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
67/100
Transit Score
38/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Lafayette
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,892
Total After Financial Aid
$86,892
Annual Cost
$21,723
Annual After Aid
$21,723
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $987 |
| Total Interest | $31,505 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,397 |
Universities in Lafayette
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Public | $10,374 |
| South Louisiana Community College | Community | $4,236 |
Lafayette has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lafayette vs. National Average
| Category | Lafayette | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,374 | $10,940 | -$566 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $962 | $1,050 | -$88 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Lafayette's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Lafayette
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,196 students
Lafayette has a total population of 121,374, with approximately 12,196 college students (10.0% of the population). Lafayette has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lafayette
$38,790
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lafayette earn a median starting salary of $38,790, which is $3,790 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,892 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,367 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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