College Costs in Manhattan, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Manhattan, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,383
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$47,764
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,107
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Manhattan Overview
Population
54,832
Student Population
4,121 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
95 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Manhattan
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,664
Total After Financial Aid
$85,664
Annual Cost
$21,416
Annual After Aid
$21,416
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,664 |
| Monthly Payment | $973 |
| Total Interest | $31,060 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,724 |
Universities in Manhattan
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | Public | $10,383 |
| Manhattan Area Technical College | Community | $3,564 |
Manhattan has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Manhattan vs. National Average
| Category | Manhattan | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,383 | $10,940 | -$557 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,107 | $1,050 | +$57 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 100 | -5 |
Manhattan's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Manhattan
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,121 students
Manhattan has a total population of 54,832, with approximately 4,121 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Manhattan offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Manhattan
$41,887
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Manhattan earn a median starting salary of $41,887, which is $6,887 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,664 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,538 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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