College Costs in Lead, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Lead, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$609
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Lead Overview
Population
2,856
Student Population
2,024 (70.9%)
Cost of Living Index
90.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
College Cost Calculator for Lead
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,376
Total After Financial Aid
$91,376
Annual Cost
$22,844
Annual After Aid
$22,844
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,038 |
| Total Interest | $33,131 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,507 |
Universities in Lead
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lead State University | Public | $9,559 |
| Lead Community College | Community | $4,915 |
Lead has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lead vs. National Average
| Category | Lead | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $609 | $1,050 | -$441 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.4 | 100 | -9.599999999999994 |
Lead'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 Lead
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,024 students
Lead has a total population of 2,856, with approximately 2,024 college students (70.9% of the population). As a major college town, Lead offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lead
$31,935
Starting Salary
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lead earn a median starting salary of $31,935, which is -$3,065 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,768 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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