College Costs in Mount Pleasant, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,560
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Mount Pleasant Overview
Population
92,468
Student Population
6,521 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
112.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Mount Pleasant
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,736
Total After Financial Aid
$109,736
Annual Cost
$27,434
Annual After Aid
$27,434
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,736 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,246 |
| Total Interest | $39,788 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,524 |
Universities in Mount Pleasant
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant State University | Public | $12,098 |
| Mount Pleasant Community College | Community | $5,992 |
Mount Pleasant has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant vs. National Average
| Category | Mount Pleasant | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,560 | $1,050 | +$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5 |
Mount Pleasant's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Mount Pleasant
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,521 students
Mount Pleasant has a total population of 92,468, with approximately 6,521 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Mount Pleasant offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mount Pleasant
$49,012
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mount Pleasant earn a median starting salary of $49,012, which is $14,012 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,736 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,526 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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