College Costs in Storm Lake, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Storm Lake, 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
$513
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Storm Lake Overview
Population
11,137
Student Population
1,328 (11.9%)
Cost of Living Index
90.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Storm Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,880
Total After Financial Aid
$89,880
Annual Cost
$22,470
Annual After Aid
$22,470
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,880 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,021 |
| Total Interest | $32,588 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,468 |
Universities in Storm Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Lake State University | Public | $10,041 |
| Storm Lake Community College | Community | $5,124 |
Storm Lake has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Storm Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Storm Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $513 | $1,050 | -$537 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.3 | 100 | -9.700000000000003 |
Storm Lake'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 Storm Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,328 students
Storm Lake has a total population of 11,137, with approximately 1,328 college students (11.9% of the population). Storm Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Storm Lake
$39,523
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~20 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Storm Lake earn a median starting salary of $39,523, which is $4,523 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,880 (including room and board), it would take approximately 20 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,666 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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