College Costs in Albany, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Albany, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$630
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Albany Overview
Population
99,224
Student Population
5,435 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
95.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Albany
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,240
Total After Financial Aid
$97,240
Annual Cost
$24,310
Annual After Aid
$24,310
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,240 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,104 |
| Total Interest | $35,257 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,497 |
Universities in Albany
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Public | $9,363 |
| Albany Community College | Community | $5,051 |
Albany has 4 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) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $630 | $1,050 | -$420 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.2 | 100 | -4.799999999999997 |
Albany's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Albany
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,435 students
Albany has a total population of 99,224, with approximately 5,435 college students (5.5% 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
$31,086
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Albany earn a median starting salary of $31,086, which is -$3,914 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,240 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,459 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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