College Costs in Liberal, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Liberal, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$540
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Liberal Overview
Population
19,826
Student Population
2,079 (10.5%)
Cost of Living Index
87 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Liberal
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,344
Total After Financial Aid
$93,344
Annual Cost
$23,336
Annual After Aid
$23,336
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,344 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,060 |
| Total Interest | $33,844 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,188 |
Universities in Liberal
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal State University | Public | $10,158 |
| Liberal Community College | Community | $5,480 |
Liberal has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Liberal vs. National Average
| Category | Liberal | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $540 | $1,050 | -$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 100 | -13 |
Liberal'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 Liberal
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,079 students
Liberal has a total population of 19,826, with approximately 2,079 college students (10.5% of the population). Liberal has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Liberal
$36,533
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~61 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Liberal earn a median starting salary of $36,533, which is $1,533 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,344 (including room and board), it would take approximately 61 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,421 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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