College Costs in Albany, GA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Albany, Georgia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Albany Overview
Population
69,054
Student Population
4,640 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
80.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Albany
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,592
Total After Financial Aid
$89,592
Annual Cost
$22,398
Annual After Aid
$22,398
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,592 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,017 |
| Total Interest | $32,484 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,076 |
Universities in Albany
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Public | $10,488 |
| Albany Community College | Community | $5,316 |
Albany has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Albany vs. National Average
| Category | Albany | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 80.5 | 100 | -19.5 |
Albany'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 Albany
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,640 students
Albany has a total population of 69,054, with approximately 4,640 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Albany offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Albany
$19,720
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Albany earn a median starting salary of $19,720, which is -$15,280 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,592 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,984 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Georgia
Atlanta
23 colleges · Avg tuition $10,828
Augusta
11 colleges · Avg tuition $9,540
Macon
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,056
Savannah
12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,268
Athens
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,080
Valdosta
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,168
Statesboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,316
Milledgeville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,316
Columbus
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Sandy Springs
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Roswell
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Johns Creek
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Albany
How we compile Albany college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Albany institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Albany's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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