College Costs in Lake City, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lake City, 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
$645
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lake City Overview
Population
49,445
Student Population
4,021 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
91.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Lake City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,668
Total After Financial Aid
$90,668
Annual Cost
$22,667
Annual After Aid
$22,667
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,668 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,030 |
| Total Interest | $32,874 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,542 |
Universities in Lake City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lake City State University | Public | $9,973 |
| Lake City Community College | Community | $4,882 |
Lake City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lake City vs. National Average
| Category | Lake City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $645 | $1,050 | -$405 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.3 | 100 | -8.700000000000003 |
Lake City'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 Lake City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,021 students
Lake City has a total population of 49,445, with approximately 4,021 college students (8.1% of the population). Lake City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake City
$29,385
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake City earn a median starting salary of $29,385, which is -$5,615 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,668 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,418 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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