College Costs in Pelham, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Pelham, 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
$504
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Pelham Overview
Population
24,211
Student Population
2,852 (11.8%)
Cost of Living Index
85 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Pelham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,776
Total After Financial Aid
$101,776
Annual Cost
$25,444
Annual After Aid
$25,444
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,776 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,156 |
| Total Interest | $36,902 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,678 |
Universities in Pelham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pelham State University | Public | $11,248 |
| Pelham Community College | Community | $4,783 |
Pelham has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pelham vs. National Average
| Category | Pelham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $504 | $1,050 | -$546 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 | -15 |
Pelham'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 Pelham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,852 students
Pelham has a total population of 24,211, with approximately 2,852 college students (11.8% of the population). Pelham has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pelham
$32,159
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pelham earn a median starting salary of $32,159, which is -$2,841 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,776 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,203 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
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