College Costs in Lancaster, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lancaster, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$591
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lancaster Overview
Population
40,709
Student Population
2,579 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
84.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Lancaster
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,092
Total After Financial Aid
$95,092
Annual Cost
$23,773
Annual After Aid
$23,773
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,092 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,080 |
| Total Interest | $34,478 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,570 |
Universities in Lancaster
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster State University | Public | $10,562 |
| Lancaster Community College | Community | $4,921 |
Lancaster has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lancaster vs. National Average
| Category | Lancaster | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $591 | $1,050 | -$459 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.2 | 100 | -15.799999999999997 |
Lancaster'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 Lancaster
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,579 students
Lancaster has a total population of 40,709, with approximately 2,579 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lancaster offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lancaster
$32,361
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lancaster earn a median starting salary of $32,361, which is -$2,639 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,092 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,512 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
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28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Parma
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
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