College Costs in Polson, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Polson, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$870
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Polson Overview
Population
5,203
Student Population
692 (13.3%)
Cost of Living Index
97.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2%
College Cost Calculator for Polson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,000
Total After Financial Aid
$89,000
Annual Cost
$22,250
Annual After Aid
$22,250
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,011 |
| Total Interest | $32,269 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,269 |
Universities in Polson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Polson State University | Public | $8,177 |
| Polson Community College | Community | $5,770 |
Polson has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Polson vs. National Average
| Category | Polson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $870 | $1,050 | -$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.2 | 100 | -2.799999999999997 |
Polson's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Polson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
692 students
Polson has a total population of 5,203, with approximately 692 college students (13.3% of the population). Polson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Polson
$34,779
Starting Salary
2%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Polson earn a median starting salary of $34,779, which is -$221 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,000 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,429 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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