College Costs in Sumter, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Sumter, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$753
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Sumter Overview
Population
40,524
Student Population
2,785 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
85.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Sumter
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,896
Total After Financial Aid
$102,896
Annual Cost
$25,724
Annual After Aid
$25,724
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,896 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,168 |
| Total Interest | $37,308 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,204 |
Universities in Sumter
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sumter State University | Public | $12,408 |
| Sumter Community College | Community | $5,518 |
Sumter has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sumter vs. National Average
| Category | Sumter | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $753 | $1,050 | -$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.4 | 100 | -14.599999999999994 |
Sumter'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 Sumter
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,785 students
Sumter has a total population of 40,524, with approximately 2,785 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Sumter offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sumter
$33,084
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sumter earn a median starting salary of $33,084, which is -$1,916 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,896 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,062 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities