College Costs in Merriam, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Merriam, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$465
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Merriam Overview
Population
11,003
Student Population
1,059 (9.6%)
Cost of Living Index
81.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Merriam
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,100
Total After Financial Aid
$94,100
Annual Cost
$23,525
Annual After Aid
$23,525
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,100 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,068 |
| Total Interest | $34,118 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,218 |
Universities in Merriam
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Merriam State University | Public | $10,507 |
| Merriam Community College | Community | $5,249 |
Merriam has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Merriam vs. National Average
| Category | Merriam | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $465 | $1,050 | -$585 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.5 | 100 | -18.5 |
Merriam'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 Merriam
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,059 students
Merriam has a total population of 11,003, with approximately 1,059 college students (9.6% of the population). Merriam has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Merriam
$34,738
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Merriam earn a median starting salary of $34,738, which is -$262 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,100 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,781 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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