College Costs in West Lafayette, IN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in West Lafayette, Indiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$621
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
West Lafayette Overview
Population
49,668
Student Population
3,088 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
89.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for West Lafayette
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,576
Total After Financial Aid
$95,576
Annual Cost
$23,894
Annual After Aid
$23,894
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,576 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,085 |
| Total Interest | $34,654 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,230 |
Universities in West Lafayette
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Lafayette State University | Public | $10,832 |
| West Lafayette Community College | Community | $5,348 |
West Lafayette has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Lafayette vs. National Average
| Category | West Lafayette | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $621 | $1,050 | -$429 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.3 | 100 | -10.700000000000003 |
West Lafayette'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 West Lafayette
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,088 students
West Lafayette has a total population of 49,668, with approximately 3,088 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, West Lafayette offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Lafayette
$35,684
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~140 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Lafayette earn a median starting salary of $35,684, which is $684 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,576 (including room and board), it would take approximately 140 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Indiana
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25 colleges · Avg tuition $9,944
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24 colleges · Avg tuition $8,380
Evansville
10 colleges · Avg tuition $8,448
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Bloomington
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Muncie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,036
Terre Haute
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Carmel
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Fishers
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Hammond
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Lafayette
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Noblesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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