College Costs in Monroe, LA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Monroe, Louisiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$465
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Monroe Overview
Population
47,702
Student Population
2,488 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
84.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Monroe
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,852
Total After Financial Aid
$91,852
Annual Cost
$22,963
Annual After Aid
$22,963
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,852 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,043 |
| Total Interest | $33,303 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,155 |
Universities in Monroe
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe State University | Public | $10,291 |
| Monroe Community College | Community | $5,685 |
Monroe has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Monroe vs. National Average
| Category | Monroe | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $465 | $1,050 | -$585 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.5 | 100 | -15.5 |
Monroe'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 Monroe
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,488 students
Monroe has a total population of 47,702, with approximately 2,488 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Monroe offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Monroe
$24,063
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Monroe earn a median starting salary of $24,063, which is -$10,937 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,852 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,026 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Louisiana
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $9,889
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,434
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,374
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,274
Metairie
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Kenner
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Alexandria
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Prairieville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Marrero
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Houma
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
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