College Costs in Ruston, LA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ruston, Louisiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$495
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ruston Overview
Population
21,987
Student Population
1,951 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
83.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Ruston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,040
Total After Financial Aid
$93,040
Annual Cost
$23,260
Annual After Aid
$23,260
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,040 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,056 |
| Total Interest | $33,734 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,774 |
Universities in Ruston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ruston State University | Public | $9,748 |
| Ruston Community College | Community | $5,639 |
Ruston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ruston vs. National Average
| Category | Ruston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $495 | $1,050 | -$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.8 | 100 | -16.200000000000003 |
Ruston'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 Ruston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,951 students
Ruston has a total population of 21,987, with approximately 1,951 college students (8.9% of the population). Ruston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ruston
$21,609
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ruston earn a median starting salary of $21,609, which is -$13,391 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,040 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,522 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Louisiana
New Orleans
23 colleges · Avg tuition $8,834
Baton Rouge
16 colleges · Avg tuition $9,889
Shreveport
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,434
Lafayette
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,374
Lake Charles
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,274
Metairie
6 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Bossier City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Kenner
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Monroe
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Alexandria
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Prairieville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Marrero
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
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