College Costs in Liberty, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Liberty, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$525
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Liberty Overview
Population
31,679
Student Population
1,661 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
89.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Liberty
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,828
Total After Financial Aid
$96,828
Annual Cost
$24,207
Annual After Aid
$24,207
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,828 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,099 |
| Total Interest | $35,107 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,935 |
Universities in Liberty
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty State University | Public | $9,288 |
| Liberty Community College | Community | $5,681 |
Liberty has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Liberty vs. National Average
| Category | Liberty | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $525 | $1,050 | -$525 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.8 | 100 | -10.200000000000003 |
Liberty'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 Liberty
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,661 students
Liberty has a total population of 31,679, with approximately 1,661 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Liberty offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Liberty
$37,283
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~42 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Liberty earn a median starting salary of $37,283, which is $2,283 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,828 (including room and board), it would take approximately 42 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,130 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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