College Costs in Marion, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Marion, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$567
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Marion Overview
Population
27,730
Student Population
2,977 (10.7%)
Cost of Living Index
88.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Marion
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,080
Total After Financial Aid
$96,080
Annual Cost
$24,020
Annual After Aid
$24,020
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,080 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,091 |
| Total Interest | $34,836 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,916 |
Universities in Marion
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Marion State University | Public | $10,084 |
| Marion Community College | Community | $4,880 |
Marion has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Marion vs. National Average
| Category | Marion | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $567 | $1,050 | -$483 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.3 | 100 | -11.700000000000003 |
Marion'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 Marion
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,977 students
Marion has a total population of 27,730, with approximately 2,977 college students (10.7% of the population). Marion has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Marion
$36,293
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~74 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Marion earn a median starting salary of $36,293, which is $1,293 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,080 (including room and board), it would take approximately 74 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,384 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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