College Costs in Paducah, KY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Paducah, Kentucky. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$456
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Paducah Overview
Population
27,137
Student Population
2,019 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
83.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Paducah
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,936
Total After Financial Aid
$101,936
Annual Cost
$25,484
Annual After Aid
$25,484
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,936 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,157 |
| Total Interest | $36,960 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,896 |
Universities in Paducah
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Paducah State University | Public | $10,923 |
| Paducah Community College | Community | $4,824 |
Paducah has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Paducah vs. National Average
| Category | Paducah | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,600 | $10,940 | +$660 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $456 | $1,050 | -$594 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.5 | 100 | -16.5 |
Paducah'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 Paducah
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,019 students
Paducah has a total population of 27,137, with approximately 2,019 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Paducah offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Paducah
$30,281
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Paducah earn a median starting salary of $30,281, which is -$4,719 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,936 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,766 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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