DegreeCalc

College Costs in Scottsbluff, NE 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Scottsbluff, 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

$618

per month

Colleges & Universities

1

institutions

Scottsbluff Overview

Population

14,657

Student Population

2,202 (15.0%)

Cost of Living Index

86.7 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

42/100

Transit Score

16/100

Unemployment Rate

1.6%

College Cost Calculator for Scottsbluff

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$90,340

Total After Financial Aid

$90,340

Annual Cost

$22,585

Annual After Aid

$22,585

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$36,800
Room & Board$53,540

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$90,340
Monthly Payment$1,026
Total Interest$32,755
Total Loan Cost$123,095

Universities in Scottsbluff

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Scottsbluff State UniversityPublic$8,822
Scottsbluff Community CollegeCommunity$4,860

Scottsbluff has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Scottsbluff vs. National Average

CategoryScottsbluffNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$9,200$10,940-$1,740
Monthly Rent Near Campus$618$1,050-$432
Cost of Living Index86.7100-13.299999999999997

Scottsbluff'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 Scottsbluff

42

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

16

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

15.0%

Student Population

2,202 students

Scottsbluff has a total population of 14,657, with approximately 2,202 college students (15.0% of the population). Scottsbluff has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Scottsbluff

$36,198

Starting Salary

1.6%

Unemployment Rate

49%

Graduation Rate

~75 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Scottsbluff earn a median starting salary of $36,198, which is $1,198 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,340 (including room and board), it would take approximately 75 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,744 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

Other Cities in Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.

Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.

Browse All Cities