College Costs in Meridian, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Meridian, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Meridian Overview
Population
36,347
Student Population
2,998 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
78.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Meridian
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,844
Total After Financial Aid
$83,844
Annual Cost
$20,961
Annual After Aid
$20,961
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,844 |
| Monthly Payment | $952 |
| Total Interest | $30,400 |
| Total Loan Cost | $114,244 |
Universities in Meridian
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian State University | Public | $9,183 |
| Meridian Community College | Community | $4,863 |
Meridian has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Meridian vs. National Average
| Category | Meridian | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.5 | 100 | -21.5 |
Meridian'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 Meridian
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,998 students
Meridian has a total population of 36,347, with approximately 2,998 college students (8.2% of the population). Meridian has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Meridian
$22,239
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Meridian earn a median starting salary of $22,239, which is -$12,761 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,844 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,152 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Mississippi
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $8,684
Hattiesburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,360
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,152
Starkville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,392
Gulfport
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Southaven
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Biloxi
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Olive Branch
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Tupelo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Brandon
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Horn Lake
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Madison
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
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