College Costs in Tea, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Tea, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$618
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Tea Overview
Population
6,574
Student Population
2,047 (31.1%)
Cost of Living Index
88.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Tea
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,908
Total After Financial Aid
$93,908
Annual Cost
$23,477
Annual After Aid
$23,477
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,908 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,066 |
| Total Interest | $34,049 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,957 |
Universities in Tea
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tea State University | Public | $9,245 |
| Tea Community College | Community | $5,078 |
Tea has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tea vs. National Average
| Category | Tea | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $618 | $1,050 | -$432 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 100 | -11.599999999999994 |
Tea'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 Tea
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,047 students
Tea has a total population of 6,574, with approximately 2,047 college students (31.1% of the population). As a major college town, Tea offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tea
$37,505
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~37 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tea earn a median starting salary of $37,505, which is $2,505 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,908 (including room and board), it would take approximately 37 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,406 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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