College Costs in Olathe, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Olathe, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Olathe Overview
Population
141,290
Student Population
8,191 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
96.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Olathe
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,408
Total After Financial Aid
$94,408
Annual Cost
$23,602
Annual After Aid
$23,602
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,072 |
| Total Interest | $34,230 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,638 |
Universities in Olathe
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Olathe State University | Public | $10,248 |
| University of Olathe | Public | $10,626 |
| Olathe Community College | Community | $5,283 |
Olathe has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Olathe vs. National Average
| Category | Olathe | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.8 | 100 | -3.200000000000003 |
Olathe's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Olathe
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,191 students
Olathe has a total population of 141,290, with approximately 8,191 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Olathe offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Olathe
$52,840
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Olathe earn a median starting salary of $52,840, which is $17,840 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,861 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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