College Costs in West Memphis, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in West Memphis, 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
$414
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
West Memphis Overview
Population
24,348
Student Population
1,377 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
74.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for West Memphis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,500
Total After Financial Aid
$88,500
Annual Cost
$22,125
Annual After Aid
$22,125
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,005 |
| Total Interest | $32,088 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,588 |
Universities in West Memphis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Memphis State University | Public | $9,552 |
| West Memphis Community College | Community | $4,792 |
West Memphis has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Memphis vs. National Average
| Category | West Memphis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $414 | $1,050 | -$636 |
| Cost of Living Index | 74.3 | 100 | -25.700000000000003 |
West Memphis'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 Memphis
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,377 students
West Memphis has a total population of 24,348, with approximately 1,377 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, West Memphis offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Memphis
$28,411
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Memphis earn a median starting salary of $28,411, which is -$6,589 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,500 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,374 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arkansas
Little Rock
24 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Fayetteville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,642
Pine Bluff
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,500
Fort Smith
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Springdale
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Jonesboro
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Rogers
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Conway
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
North Little Rock
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Bentonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Hot Springs
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Benton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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