College Costs in Parsons, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Parsons, 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
$501
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Parsons Overview
Population
9,656
Student Population
1,088 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
89.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Parsons
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,800
Total After Financial Aid
$94,800
Annual Cost
$23,700
Annual After Aid
$23,700
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,076 |
| Total Interest | $34,372 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,172 |
Universities in Parsons
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Parsons State University | Public | $9,845 |
| Parsons Community College | Community | $5,517 |
Parsons has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Parsons vs. National Average
| Category | Parsons | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $501 | $1,050 | -$549 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.3 | 100 | -10.700000000000003 |
Parsons'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 Parsons
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,088 students
Parsons has a total population of 9,656, with approximately 1,088 college students (11.3% of the population). Parsons has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Parsons
$39,632
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~20 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Parsons earn a median starting salary of $39,632, which is $4,632 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 20 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,189 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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