College Costs in Petal, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Petal, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$414
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Petal Overview
Population
10,854
Student Population
2,392 (22.0%)
Cost of Living Index
73.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Petal
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,284
Total After Financial Aid
$89,284
Annual Cost
$22,321
Annual After Aid
$22,321
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,284 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,014 |
| Total Interest | $32,372 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,656 |
Universities in Petal
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Petal State University | Public | $8,292 |
| Petal Community College | Community | $4,832 |
Petal has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Petal vs. National Average
| Category | Petal | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $414 | $1,050 | -$636 |
| Cost of Living Index | 73.9 | 100 | -26.099999999999994 |
Petal'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 Petal
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,392 students
Petal has a total population of 10,854, with approximately 2,392 college students (22.0% of the population). As a major college town, Petal offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Petal
$31,441
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Petal earn a median starting salary of $31,441, which is -$3,559 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,284 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,427 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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