College Costs in Ralston, NE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Ralston, Nebraska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$588
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Ralston Overview
Population
7,305
Student Population
826 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
84.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Ralston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,104
Total After Financial Aid
$87,104
Annual Cost
$21,776
Annual After Aid
$21,776
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,104 |
| Monthly Payment | $989 |
| Total Interest | $31,582 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,686 |
Universities in Ralston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ralston State University | Public | $10,111 |
| Ralston Community College | Community | $5,230 |
Ralston has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ralston vs. National Average
| Category | Ralston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $588 | $1,050 | -$462 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.8 | 100 | -15.200000000000003 |
Ralston'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 Ralston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
826 students
Ralston has a total population of 7,305, with approximately 826 college students (11.3% of the population). Ralston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ralston
$31,527
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ralston earn a median starting salary of $31,527, which is -$3,473 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,104 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,822 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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