College Costs in Muskegon, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Muskegon, 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
$690
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Muskegon Overview
Population
37,326
Student Population
3,287 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
79.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Muskegon
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,092
Total After Financial Aid
$110,092
Annual Cost
$27,523
Annual After Aid
$27,523
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,092 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,250 |
| Total Interest | $39,917 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,009 |
Universities in Muskegon
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon State University | Public | $14,890 |
| Muskegon Community College | Community | $4,892 |
Muskegon has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Muskegon vs. National Average
| Category | Muskegon | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $690 | $1,050 | -$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79.9 | 100 | -20.099999999999994 |
Muskegon'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 Muskegon
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,287 students
Muskegon has a total population of 37,326, with approximately 3,287 college students (8.8% of the population). Muskegon has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Muskegon
$39,428
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Muskegon earn a median starting salary of $39,428, which is $4,428 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,092 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,130 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Michigan
Detroit
43 colleges · Avg tuition $14,568
Grand Rapids
10 colleges · Avg tuition $13,394
Ann Arbor
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,736
Lansing
6 colleges · Avg tuition $14,460
Flint
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,426
Kalamazoo
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,413
Saginaw
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,840
Warren
6 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Sterling Heights
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Dearborn
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Clinton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Canton Township
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities