College Costs in Spencer, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Spencer, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$477
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Spencer Overview
Population
11,233
Student Population
1,346 (12.0%)
Cost of Living Index
84.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Spencer
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,640
Total After Financial Aid
$89,640
Annual Cost
$22,410
Annual After Aid
$22,410
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,640 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,018 |
| Total Interest | $32,501 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,141 |
Universities in Spencer
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer State University | Public | $9,153 |
| Spencer Community College | Community | $4,832 |
Spencer has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Spencer vs. National Average
| Category | Spencer | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $477 | $1,050 | -$573 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.1 | 100 | -15.900000000000006 |
Spencer'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 Spencer
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,346 students
Spencer has a total population of 11,233, with approximately 1,346 college students (12.0% of the population). Spencer has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Spencer
$33,285
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Spencer earn a median starting salary of $33,285, which is -$1,715 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,640 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,269 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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