College Costs in Monroe, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Monroe, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$579
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Monroe Overview
Population
20,733
Student Population
2,771 (13.4%)
Cost of Living Index
81.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Monroe
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,556
Total After Financial Aid
$115,556
Annual Cost
$28,889
Annual After Aid
$28,889
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,556 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,312 |
| Total Interest | $41,898 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,454 |
Universities in Monroe
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe State University | Public | $16,432 |
| Monroe Community College | Community | $5,283 |
Monroe has 2 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) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $579 | $1,050 | -$471 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.5 | 100 | -18.5 |
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
2,771 students
Monroe has a total population of 20,733, with approximately 2,771 college students (13.4% of the population). Monroe has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Monroe
$35,218
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~530 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Monroe earn a median starting salary of $35,218, which is $218 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,556 (including room and board), it would take approximately 530 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,544 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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