College Costs in Wayne, NE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Wayne, Nebraska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$540
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Wayne Overview
Population
5,583
Student Population
961 (17.2%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
11/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Wayne
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,232
Total After Financial Aid
$88,232
Annual Cost
$22,058
Annual After Aid
$22,058
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,232 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,002 |
| Total Interest | $31,991 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,223 |
Universities in Wayne
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne State University | Public | $9,634 |
| Wayne Community College | Community | $5,136 |
Wayne has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wayne vs. National Average
| Category | Wayne | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $540 | $1,050 | -$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
Wayne'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 Wayne
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
961 students
Wayne has a total population of 5,583, with approximately 961 college students (17.2% of the population). As a major college town, Wayne offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wayne
$32,608
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wayne earn a median starting salary of $32,608, which is -$2,392 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,232 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,342 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Nebraska
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $8,268
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Bellevue
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Norfolk
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
North Platte
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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