College Costs in Montgomery, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 21 colleges in Montgomery, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,814
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$29,622
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$960
per month
Colleges & Universities
21
institutions
Montgomery Overview
Population
200,603
Student Population
17,419 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Montgomery
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,744
Total After Financial Aid
$88,744
Annual Cost
$22,186
Annual After Aid
$22,186
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,744 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,008 |
| Total Interest | $32,176 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,920 |
Universities in Montgomery
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Public | $11,068 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Public | $10,560 |
| Trenholm State Community College | Community | $4,800 |
Montgomery has 21 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Montgomery vs. National Average
| Category | Montgomery | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,814 | $10,940 | -$126 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $960 | $1,050 | -$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Montgomery'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 Montgomery
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
17,419 students
Montgomery has a total population of 200,603, with approximately 17,419 college students (8.7% of the population). Montgomery has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Montgomery
$50,217
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Montgomery earn a median starting salary of $50,217, which is $15,217 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,744 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,044 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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