College Costs in Watertown, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Watertown, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Watertown Overview
Population
22,655
Student Population
1,606 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
88.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Watertown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,820
Total After Financial Aid
$91,820
Annual Cost
$22,955
Annual After Aid
$22,955
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,820 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,043 |
| Total Interest | $33,292 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,112 |
Universities in Watertown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown State University | Public | $9,059 |
| Watertown Community College | Community | $5,020 |
Watertown has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Watertown vs. National Average
| Category | Watertown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,700 | $10,940 | -$1,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.2 | 100 | -11.799999999999997 |
Watertown'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 Watertown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,606 students
Watertown has a total population of 22,655, with approximately 1,606 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Watertown offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Watertown
$26,792
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watertown earn a median starting salary of $26,792, which is -$8,208 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,820 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,887 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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