College Costs in Lima, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lima, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lima Overview
Population
36,024
Student Population
2,675 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
83 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Lima
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,500
Total After Financial Aid
$99,500
Annual Cost
$24,875
Annual After Aid
$24,875
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,130 |
| Total Interest | $36,076 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,576 |
Universities in Lima
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lima State University | Public | $10,305 |
| Lima Community College | Community | $5,018 |
Lima has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lima vs. National Average
| Category | Lima | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17 |
Lima'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 Lima
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,675 students
Lima has a total population of 36,024, with approximately 2,675 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lima offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lima
$38,880
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~26 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lima earn a median starting salary of $38,880, which is $3,880 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,500 (including room and board), it would take approximately 26 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,110 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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