College Costs in Laurel, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Laurel, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$426
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Laurel Overview
Population
18,491
Student Population
1,347 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
74.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Laurel
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,084
Total After Financial Aid
$85,084
Annual Cost
$21,271
Annual After Aid
$21,271
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $966 |
| Total Interest | $30,849 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,933 |
Universities in Laurel
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel State University | Public | $8,818 |
| Laurel Community College | Community | $4,495 |
Laurel has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Laurel vs. National Average
| Category | Laurel | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $426 | $1,050 | -$624 |
| Cost of Living Index | 74.2 | 100 | -25.799999999999997 |
Laurel'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 Laurel
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,347 students
Laurel has a total population of 18,491, with approximately 1,347 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Laurel offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Laurel
$30,691
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Laurel earn a median starting salary of $30,691, which is -$4,309 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,782 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Mississippi
Jackson
11 colleges · Avg tuition $8,684
Hattiesburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,360
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,152
Starkville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,392
Gulfport
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Southaven
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Biloxi
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Olive Branch
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Tupelo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Meridian
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Brandon
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Horn Lake
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities