College Costs in Portage, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Portage, 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
$627
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Portage Overview
Population
36,828
Student Population
2,881 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
78.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Portage
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,084
Total After Financial Aid
$89,084
Annual Cost
$22,271
Annual After Aid
$22,271
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,012 |
| Total Interest | $32,300 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,384 |
Universities in Portage
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portage State University | Public | $10,642 |
| Portage Community College | Community | $5,250 |
Portage has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Portage vs. National Average
| Category | Portage | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $627 | $1,050 | -$423 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.6 | 100 | -21.400000000000006 |
Portage'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 Portage
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,881 students
Portage has a total population of 36,828, with approximately 2,881 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Portage offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portage
$35,413
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~216 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portage earn a median starting salary of $35,413, which is $413 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 216 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,722 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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