College Cost Planning in Terre Haute, IN 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Terre Haute, Indiana. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Terre Haute as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,570
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$55,485
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$819
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Terre Haute Overview
Population
60,785
Student Population
5,640 (9.3%)
Cost of Living Index
98 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Terre Haute
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,136
Total After Financial Aid
$90,136
Annual Cost
$22,534
Annual After Aid
$22,534
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,136 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,023 |
| Total Interest | $32,681 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,817 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Terre Haute
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$9,570
Private tuition
$55,485
Community college
$4,540
Cost of Living in Terre Haute vs. National Average
| Category | Terre Haute | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,570 | $10,940 | -$1,370 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $819 | $1,050 | -$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 100 | -2 |
Terre Haute's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Terre Haute
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,640 students
Terre Haute has a total population of 60,785, with approximately 5,640 college students (9.3% of the population). Terre Haute has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Terre Haute
$47,398
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~7.3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Terre Haute earn a median starting salary of $47,398, which is $12,398 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 7.3 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $7,338 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Indiana
Indianapolis
25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
Fort Wayne
24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
Evansville
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,448
South Bend
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,463
Bloomington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,948
Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Gary
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Terre Haute
How we compile Terre Haute college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Terre Haute institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Terre Haute's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Terre Haute, IN?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Terre Haute is $9,570. Private university tuition averages $55,485, and community college tuition averages $4,540. When room and board ($12,964/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,534.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Terre Haute, IN?
Terre Haute uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 5,640, which represents 9.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Terre Haute?
The average rent near college campuses in Terre Haute is approximately $819 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 98 (national average is 100), a walk score of 37, and a public transit score of 15. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Terre Haute?
College graduates in Terre Haute earn a median starting salary of $47,398. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%. With an average financial aid package of $7,338 per student and a 65% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Terre Haute, IN?
With a median starting salary of $47,398 and an average 4-year public university cost of $90,136 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 7.3 years. The 65% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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