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College Cost Planning in Travelers Rest, SC 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Travelers Rest 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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

$12,100

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$28,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$618

per month

Local Cost Market

1

benchmark points

Travelers Rest Overview

Population

7,880

Student Population

1,396 (17.7%)

Cost of Living Index

91.2 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

40/100

Transit Score

16/100

Unemployment Rate

2.6%

College Cost Calculator for Travelers Rest

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$106,552

Total After Financial Aid

$106,552

Annual Cost

$26,638

Annual After Aid

$26,638

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$48,400
Room & Board$58,152

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$106,552
Monthly Payment$1,210
Total Interest$38,633
Total Loan Cost$145,185

Education Cost Benchmarks in Travelers Rest

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

1

Public tuition

$12,100

Private tuition

$28,000

Community college

$5,509

Cost of Living in Travelers Rest vs. National Average

CategoryTravelers RestNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$12,100$10,940+$1,160
Monthly Rent Near Campus$618$1,050-$432
Cost of Living Index91.2100-8.799999999999997

Travelers Rest'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 Travelers Rest

40

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

16

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

17.7%

Student Population

1,396 students

Travelers Rest has a total population of 7,880, with approximately 1,396 college students (17.7% of the population). As a major college town, Travelers Rest offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Travelers Rest

$32,320

Starting Salary

2.6%

Unemployment Rate

62%

Graduation Rate

Review

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Travelers Rest earn a median starting salary of $32,320, which is $2,680 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $8,166 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in South Carolina

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Travelers Rest

How we compile Travelers Rest 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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Travelers Rest institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Travelers Rest's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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 Travelers Rest, SC?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Travelers Rest is $12,100. Private university tuition averages $28,000, and community college tuition averages $5,509. When room and board ($14,538/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $26,638.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Travelers Rest, SC?

Travelers Rest uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,396, which represents 17.7% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Travelers Rest?

The average rent near college campuses in Travelers Rest is approximately $618 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 91.2 (national average is 100), a walk score of 40, and a public transit score of 16. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Travelers Rest?

College graduates in Travelers Rest earn a median starting salary of $32,320. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%. With an average financial aid package of $8,166 per student and a 62% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Travelers Rest, SC?

With a median starting salary of $32,320 and an average 4-year public university cost of $106,552 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.

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