College Costs in Apex, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Apex, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$861
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Apex Overview
Population
73,890
Student Population
4,850 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
99.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Apex
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,836
Total After Financial Aid
$95,836
Annual Cost
$23,959
Annual After Aid
$23,959
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,836 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,088 |
| Total Interest | $34,748 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,584 |
Universities in Apex
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Apex State University | Public | $9,243 |
| Apex Community College | Community | $5,003 |
Apex has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Apex vs. National Average
| Category | Apex | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $861 | $1,050 | -$189 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.6 | 100 | -0.4000000000000057 |
Apex's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Apex
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,850 students
Apex has a total population of 73,890, with approximately 4,850 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Apex offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Apex
$35,581
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~165 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Apex earn a median starting salary of $35,581, which is $581 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,836 (including room and board), it would take approximately 165 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,141 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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