College Costs in Pocatello, ID 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Pocatello, Idaho. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,864
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$54,829
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,315
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Pocatello Overview
Population
56,320
Student Population
4,661 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
118 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Pocatello
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,680
Total After Financial Aid
$91,680
Annual Cost
$22,920
Annual After Aid
$22,920
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,680 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,041 |
| Total Interest | $33,241 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,921 |
Universities in Pocatello
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | Public | $7,864 |
| Idaho State University | Community | $3,456 |
Pocatello has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pocatello vs. National Average
| Category | Pocatello | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,864 | $10,940 | -$3,076 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,315 | $1,050 | +$265 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118 | 100 | +18 |
Pocatello's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Pocatello
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,661 students
Pocatello has a total population of 56,320, with approximately 4,661 college students (8.3% of the population). Pocatello has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pocatello
$50,596
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pocatello earn a median starting salary of $50,596, which is $15,596 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,680 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,566 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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