College Costs in McDonough, GA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in McDonough, Georgia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$867
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
McDonough Overview
Population
27,714
Student Population
1,639 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
95.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for McDonough
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,988
Total After Financial Aid
$96,988
Annual Cost
$24,247
Annual After Aid
$24,247
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,988 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,101 |
| Total Interest | $35,165 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,153 |
Universities in McDonough
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McDonough State University | Public | $9,193 |
| McDonough Community College | Community | $5,023 |
McDonough has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McDonough vs. National Average
| Category | McDonough | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $867 | $1,050 | -$183 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.4 | 100 | -4.599999999999994 |
McDonough's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in McDonough
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,639 students
McDonough has a total population of 27,714, with approximately 1,639 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, McDonough offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McDonough
$35,973
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~100 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McDonough earn a median starting salary of $35,973, which is $973 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,988 (including room and board), it would take approximately 100 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,094 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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