College Costs in St. Louis, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 23 colleges in St. Louis, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,343
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$55,255
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$909
per month
Colleges & Universities
23
institutions
St. Louis Overview
Population
301,578
Student Population
23,342 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
97 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
66/100
Transit Score
40/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for St. Louis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,256
Total After Financial Aid
$84,256
Annual Cost
$21,064
Annual After Aid
$21,064
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,256 |
| Monthly Payment | $957 |
| Total Interest | $30,549 |
| Total Loan Cost | $114,805 |
Universities in St. Louis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Private | $60,590 |
| Saint Louis University | Private | $49,920 |
| St. Louis Community College | Community | $3,600 |
St. Louis has 23 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in St. Louis vs. National Average
| Category | St. Louis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,343 | $10,940 | +$1,403 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $909 | $1,050 | -$141 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 100 | -3 |
St. Louis's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in St. Louis
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
23,342 students
St. Louis has a total population of 301,578, with approximately 23,342 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, St. Louis offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in St. Louis
$45,779
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in St. Louis earn a median starting salary of $45,779, which is $10,779 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,256 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,996 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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