College Costs in Mitchell, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mitchell, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$525
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mitchell Overview
Population
15,660
Student Population
1,794 (11.5%)
Cost of Living Index
85.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mitchell
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,248
Total After Financial Aid
$92,248
Annual Cost
$23,062
Annual After Aid
$23,062
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,047 |
| Total Interest | $33,447 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,695 |
Universities in Mitchell
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell State University | Public | $10,192 |
| Mitchell Community College | Community | $5,346 |
Mitchell has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mitchell vs. National Average
| Category | Mitchell | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $525 | $1,050 | -$525 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.8 | 100 | -14.200000000000003 |
Mitchell'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 Mitchell
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,794 students
Mitchell has a total population of 15,660, with approximately 1,794 college students (11.5% of the population). Mitchell has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mitchell
$25,630
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mitchell earn a median starting salary of $25,630, which is -$9,370 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,664 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Brandon (SD)
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1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
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