College Costs in Van Buren, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Van Buren, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$23,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$423
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Van Buren Overview
Population
24,120
Student Population
1,363 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
75.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Van Buren
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,880
Total After Financial Aid
$86,880
Annual Cost
$21,720
Annual After Aid
$21,720
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,880 |
| Monthly Payment | $987 |
| Total Interest | $31,501 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,381 |
Universities in Van Buren
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Van Buren State University | Public | $9,007 |
| Van Buren Community College | Community | $4,791 |
Van Buren has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Van Buren vs. National Average
| Category | Van Buren | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $423 | $1,050 | -$627 |
| Cost of Living Index | 75.3 | 100 | -24.700000000000003 |
Van Buren'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 Van Buren
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,363 students
Van Buren has a total population of 24,120, with approximately 1,363 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Van Buren offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Van Buren
$27,992
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Van Buren earn a median starting salary of $27,992, which is -$7,008 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,880 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,565 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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