College Costs in Spearfish, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Spearfish, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$714
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Spearfish Overview
Population
12,193
Student Population
2,318 (19.0%)
Cost of Living Index
87 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
College Cost Calculator for Spearfish
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,256
Total After Financial Aid
$94,256
Annual Cost
$23,564
Annual After Aid
$23,564
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,256 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,070 |
| Total Interest | $34,175 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,431 |
Universities in Spearfish
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Spearfish State University | Public | $9,295 |
| Spearfish Community College | Community | $5,732 |
Spearfish has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Spearfish vs. National Average
| Category | Spearfish | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $714 | $1,050 | -$336 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 100 | -13 |
Spearfish'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 Spearfish
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,318 students
Spearfish has a total population of 12,193, with approximately 2,318 college students (19.0% of the population). As a major college town, Spearfish offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Spearfish
$28,625
Starting Salary
1.6%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Spearfish earn a median starting salary of $28,625, which is -$6,375 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,256 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,365 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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