College Costs in St. Joseph, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in St. Joseph, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$570
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
St. Joseph Overview
Population
72,473
Student Population
4,574 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
90.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for St. Joseph
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,900
Total After Financial Aid
$94,900
Annual Cost
$23,725
Annual After Aid
$23,725
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,900 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,078 |
| Total Interest | $34,408 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,308 |
Universities in St. Joseph
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph State University | Public | $10,890 |
| St. Joseph Community College | Community | $5,170 |
St. Joseph has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in St. Joseph vs. National Average
| Category | St. Joseph | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $570 | $1,050 | -$480 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.4 | 100 | -9.599999999999994 |
St. Joseph'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 St. Joseph
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,574 students
St. Joseph has a total population of 72,473, with approximately 4,574 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, St. Joseph offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in St. Joseph
$32,554
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in St. Joseph earn a median starting salary of $32,554, which is -$2,446 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,900 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,434 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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