College Costs in Marshalltown, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Marshalltown, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$516
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Marshalltown Overview
Population
27,552
Student Population
3,358 (12.2%)
Cost of Living Index
87.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Marshalltown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,084
Total After Financial Aid
$93,084
Annual Cost
$23,271
Annual After Aid
$23,271
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,057 |
| Total Interest | $33,750 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,834 |
Universities in Marshalltown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Marshalltown State University | Public | $10,511 |
| Marshalltown Community College | Community | $5,488 |
Marshalltown has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Marshalltown vs. National Average
| Category | Marshalltown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $516 | $1,050 | -$534 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.7 | 100 | -12.299999999999997 |
Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,358 students
Marshalltown has a total population of 27,552, with approximately 3,358 college students (12.2% of the population). Marshalltown has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Marshalltown
$36,413
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~66 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Marshalltown earn a median starting salary of $36,413, which is $1,413 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 66 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,603 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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