College Costs in Portage, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Portage, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$582
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Portage Overview
Population
49,024
Student Population
3,590 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Portage
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,472
Total After Financial Aid
$114,472
Annual Cost
$28,618
Annual After Aid
$28,618
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,472 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,300 |
| Total Interest | $41,505 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,977 |
Universities in Portage
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portage State University | Public | $14,984 |
| Portage Community College | Community | $4,910 |
Portage has 3 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) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $582 | $1,050 | -$468 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.3 | 100 | -11.700000000000003 |
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
3,590 students
Portage has a total population of 49,024, with approximately 3,590 college students (7.3% 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
$31,474
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portage earn a median starting salary of $31,474, which is -$3,526 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,472 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,926 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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