College Costs in Plainfield, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Plainfield, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Plainfield Overview
Population
35,000
Student Population
2,051 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
78.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Plainfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,300
Total After Financial Aid
$89,300
Annual Cost
$22,325
Annual After Aid
$22,325
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,014 |
| Total Interest | $32,378 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,678 |
Universities in Plainfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Plainfield State University | Public | $9,885 |
| Plainfield Community College | Community | $4,965 |
Plainfield has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Plainfield vs. National Average
| Category | Plainfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.4 | 100 | -21.599999999999994 |
Plainfield'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 Plainfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,051 students
Plainfield has a total population of 35,000, with approximately 2,051 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Plainfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Plainfield
$40,349
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Plainfield earn a median starting salary of $40,349, which is $5,349 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,300 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,179 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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