College Costs in Traverse City, MI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Traverse City, Michigan. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$645
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Traverse City Overview
Population
15,678
Student Population
1,190 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
87.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Traverse City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,196
Total After Financial Aid
$115,196
Annual Cost
$28,799
Annual After Aid
$28,799
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,196 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,308 |
| Total Interest | $41,767 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,963 |
Universities in Traverse City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City State University | Public | $16,083 |
| Traverse City Community College | Community | $5,482 |
Traverse City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Traverse City vs. National Average
| Category | Traverse City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $645 | $1,050 | -$405 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.7 | 100 | -12.299999999999997 |
Traverse City'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 Traverse City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,190 students
Traverse City has a total population of 15,678, with approximately 1,190 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Traverse City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Traverse City
$31,878
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Traverse City earn a median starting salary of $31,878, which is -$3,122 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,196 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,371 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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