College Costs in Shawnee, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Shawnee, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$540
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Shawnee Overview
Population
65,513
Student Population
5,180 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
86.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Shawnee
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,316
Total After Financial Aid
$94,316
Annual Cost
$23,579
Annual After Aid
$23,579
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,316 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,071 |
| Total Interest | $34,197 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,513 |
Universities in Shawnee
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shawnee State University | Public | $10,542 |
| Shawnee Community College | Community | $5,248 |
Shawnee has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Shawnee vs. National Average
| Category | Shawnee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $540 | $1,050 | -$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.5 | 100 | -13.5 |
Shawnee'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 Shawnee
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,180 students
Shawnee has a total population of 65,513, with approximately 5,180 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Shawnee offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shawnee
$40,087
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~19 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shawnee earn a median starting salary of $40,087, which is $5,087 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,316 (including room and board), it would take approximately 19 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,398 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kansas
Wichita
20 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Overland Park
13 colleges · Avg tuition $3,564
Topeka
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Lawrence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $5,898
Manhattan
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,383
Emporia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $6,716
Kansas City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Olathe
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Lenexa
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Salina
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Hutchinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Leavenworth
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
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