College Costs in Mason City, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mason City, 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
$528
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mason City Overview
Population
26,889
Student Population
2,544 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
86.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mason City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,868
Total After Financial Aid
$91,868
Annual Cost
$22,967
Annual After Aid
$22,967
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,868 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,043 |
| Total Interest | $33,309 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,177 |
Universities in Mason City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mason City State University | Public | $10,551 |
| Mason City Community College | Community | $4,796 |
Mason City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mason City vs. National Average
| Category | Mason City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $528 | $1,050 | -$522 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.1 | 100 | -13.900000000000006 |
Mason City'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 Mason City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,544 students
Mason City has a total population of 26,889, with approximately 2,544 college students (9.5% of the population). Mason City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mason City
$37,356
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~39 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mason City earn a median starting salary of $37,356, which is $2,356 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,868 (including room and board), it would take approximately 39 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,147 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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