College Costs in Madison, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Madison, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$516
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Madison Overview
Population
53,880
Student Population
3,884 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
86.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Madison
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,284
Total After Financial Aid
$96,284
Annual Cost
$24,071
Annual After Aid
$24,071
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,284 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,093 |
| Total Interest | $34,910 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,194 |
Universities in Madison
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Madison State University | Public | $10,137 |
| Madison Community College | Community | $4,968 |
Madison has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Madison vs. National Average
| Category | Madison | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $516 | $1,050 | -$534 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.1 | 100 | -13.900000000000006 |
Madison'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 Madison
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,884 students
Madison has a total population of 53,880, with approximately 3,884 college students (7.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Madison offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Madison
$38,821
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Madison earn a median starting salary of $38,821, which is $3,821 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,284 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,595 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Vestavia Hills
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
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