College Costs in Ridgeland, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ridgeland Overview
Population
24,473
Student Population
2,894 (11.8%)
Cost of Living Index
81.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Ridgeland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,212
Total After Financial Aid
$88,212
Annual Cost
$22,053
Annual After Aid
$22,053
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,212 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,002 |
| Total Interest | $31,984 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,196 |
Universities in Ridgeland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgeland State University | Public | $8,715 |
| Ridgeland Community College | Community | $4,786 |
Ridgeland has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ridgeland vs. National Average
| Category | Ridgeland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,700 | $10,940 | -$2,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.4 | 100 | -18.599999999999994 |
Ridgeland'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 Ridgeland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,894 students
Ridgeland has a total population of 24,473, with approximately 2,894 college students (11.8% of the population). Ridgeland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ridgeland
$29,839
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ridgeland earn a median starting salary of $29,839, which is -$5,161 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,212 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,758 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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