College Costs in Starkville, MS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Starkville, Mississippi. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,392
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,602
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$869
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Starkville Overview
Population
25,495
Student Population
2,124 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
105 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
College Cost Calculator for Starkville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,600
Total After Financial Aid
$94,600
Annual Cost
$23,650
Annual After Aid
$23,650
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,074 |
| Total Interest | $34,300 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,900 |
Universities in Starkville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | Public | $9,392 |
| East Mississippi Community College | Community | $3,300 |
Starkville has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Starkville vs. National Average
| Category | Starkville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,392 | $10,940 | -$1,548 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $869 | $1,050 | -$181 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 100 | +5 |
Starkville's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Starkville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,124 students
Starkville has a total population of 25,495, with approximately 2,124 college students (8.3% of the population). Starkville has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Starkville
$50,695
Starting Salary
6.3%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Starkville earn a median starting salary of $50,695, which is $15,695 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,600 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,604 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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