College Costs in Saginaw, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Saginaw, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,840
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,159
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$996
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Saginaw Overview
Population
44,202
Student Population
2,310 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
85 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Saginaw
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,140
Total After Financial Aid
$85,140
Annual Cost
$21,285
Annual After Aid
$21,285
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,140 |
| Monthly Payment | $967 |
| Total Interest | $30,870 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,010 |
Universities in Saginaw
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Saginaw Valley State University | Public | $10,840 |
| Delta College | Community | $4,296 |
Saginaw has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Saginaw vs. National Average
| Category | Saginaw | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,840 | $10,940 | -$100 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $996 | $1,050 | -$54 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 | -15 |
Saginaw'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 Saginaw
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,310 students
Saginaw has a total population of 44,202, with approximately 2,310 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Saginaw offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Saginaw
$49,180
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Saginaw earn a median starting salary of $49,180, which is $14,180 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,140 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,313 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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