College Costs in Section, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Section, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$405
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Section Overview
Population
22,593
Student Population
2,531 (11.2%)
Cost of Living Index
83.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Section
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,092
Total After Financial Aid
$94,092
Annual Cost
$23,523
Annual After Aid
$23,523
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,092 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,068 |
| Total Interest | $34,115 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,207 |
Universities in Section
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Section State University | Public | $11,951 |
| Section Community College | Community | $5,448 |
Section has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Section vs. National Average
| Category | Section | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $405 | $1,050 | -$645 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.7 | 100 | -16.299999999999997 |
Section'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 Section
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,531 students
Section has a total population of 22,593, with approximately 2,531 college students (11.2% of the population). Section has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Section
$34,660
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Section earn a median starting salary of $34,660, which is -$340 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,092 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,480 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Birmingham
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,440
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
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