College Costs in Allentown, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$17,315
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$56,765
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,356
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Allentown Overview
Population
126,092
Student Population
5,807 (4.6%)
Cost of Living Index
113 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
44/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Allentown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$130,968
Total After Financial Aid
$130,968
Annual Cost
$32,742
Annual After Aid
$32,742
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $130,968 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,487 |
| Total Interest | $47,486 |
| Total Loan Cost | $178,454 |
Universities in Allentown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Muhlenberg College | Private | $56,765 |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Community | $5,070 |
Allentown has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Allentown vs. National Average
| Category | Allentown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $17,315 | $10,940 | +$6,375 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,356 | $1,050 | +$306 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 100 | +13 |
Allentown's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Allentown
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
5,807 students
Allentown has a total population of 126,092, with approximately 5,807 college students (4.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Allentown offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Allentown
$64,407
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Allentown earn a median starting salary of $64,407, which is $29,407 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $130,968 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,241 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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