College Costs in Opelika, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Opelika, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$498
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Opelika Overview
Population
30,346
Student Population
2,951 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
77.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Opelika
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,892
Total After Financial Aid
$92,892
Annual Cost
$23,223
Annual After Aid
$23,223
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,055 |
| Total Interest | $33,680 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,572 |
Universities in Opelika
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Opelika State University | Public | $11,291 |
| Opelika Community College | Community | $4,700 |
Opelika has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Opelika vs. National Average
| Category | Opelika | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $498 | $1,050 | -$552 |
| Cost of Living Index | 77.9 | 100 | -22.099999999999994 |
Opelika'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 Opelika
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,951 students
Opelika has a total population of 30,346, with approximately 2,951 college students (9.7% of the population). Opelika has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Opelika
$33,474
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Opelika earn a median starting salary of $33,474, which is -$1,526 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,892 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,386 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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