College Costs in Rolla, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Rolla, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,448
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$31,115
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$654
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Rolla Overview
Population
20,090
Student Population
1,155 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
79 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
31/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Rolla
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,656
Total After Financial Aid
$86,656
Annual Cost
$21,664
Annual After Aid
$21,664
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $984 |
| Total Interest | $31,419 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,075 |
Universities in Rolla
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri S&T | Public | $11,448 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College Rolla | Community | $3,900 |
Rolla has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rolla vs. National Average
| Category | Rolla | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,448 | $10,940 | +$508 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $654 | $1,050 | -$396 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79 | 100 | -21 |
Rolla'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 Rolla
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,155 students
Rolla has a total population of 20,090, with approximately 1,155 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rolla offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rolla
$45,391
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rolla earn a median starting salary of $45,391, which is $10,391 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,315 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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