College Costs in Muscatine, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Muscatine, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$471
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Muscatine Overview
Population
24,009
Student Population
1,844 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
82.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Muscatine
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,484
Total After Financial Aid
$90,484
Annual Cost
$22,621
Annual After Aid
$22,621
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,027 |
| Total Interest | $32,807 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,291 |
Universities in Muscatine
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Muscatine State University | Public | $9,104 |
| Muscatine Community College | Community | $5,280 |
Muscatine has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Muscatine vs. National Average
| Category | Muscatine | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $471 | $1,050 | -$579 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.7 | 100 | -17.299999999999997 |
Muscatine'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 Muscatine
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,844 students
Muscatine has a total population of 24,009, with approximately 1,844 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Muscatine offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Muscatine
$34,039
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Muscatine earn a median starting salary of $34,039, which is -$961 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,403 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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