College Costs in West Plains, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in West Plains, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$480
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
West Plains Overview
Population
12,290
Student Population
1,040 (8.5%)
Cost of Living Index
87.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for West Plains
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,708
Total After Financial Aid
$90,708
Annual Cost
$22,677
Annual After Aid
$22,677
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,030 |
| Total Interest | $32,889 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,597 |
Universities in West Plains
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Plains State University | Public | $9,324 |
| West Plains Community College | Community | $5,636 |
West Plains has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Plains vs. National Average
| Category | West Plains | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $480 | $1,050 | -$570 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.1 | 100 | -12.900000000000006 |
West Plains'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 Plains
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,040 students
West Plains has a total population of 12,290, with approximately 1,040 college students (8.5% of the population). West Plains has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Plains
$33,023
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Plains earn a median starting salary of $33,023, which is -$1,977 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,907 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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