College Costs in Williston, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Williston, North Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Williston Overview
Population
27,096
Student Population
3,118 (11.5%)
Cost of Living Index
95.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
College Cost Calculator for Williston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,756
Total After Financial Aid
$90,756
Annual Cost
$22,689
Annual After Aid
$22,689
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,756 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,031 |
| Total Interest | $32,906 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,662 |
Universities in Williston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Williston State University | Public | $10,115 |
| Williston Community College | Community | $5,215 |
Williston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Williston vs. National Average
| Category | Williston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.8 | 100 | -4.200000000000003 |
Williston's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Williston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,118 students
Williston has a total population of 27,096, with approximately 3,118 college students (11.5% of the population). Williston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Williston
$39,085
Starting Salary
1.7%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Williston earn a median starting salary of $39,085, which is $4,085 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,756 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,624 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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