College Costs in Arbutus, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Arbutus, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,032
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Arbutus Overview
Population
19,834
Student Population
1,881 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
114.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Arbutus
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,716
Total After Financial Aid
$102,716
Annual Cost
$25,679
Annual After Aid
$25,679
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,716 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,166 |
| Total Interest | $37,242 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,958 |
Universities in Arbutus
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arbutus State University | Public | $11,807 |
| Arbutus Community College | Community | $5,867 |
Arbutus has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arbutus vs. National Average
| Category | Arbutus | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,032 | $1,050 | -$18 |
| Cost of Living Index | 114.8 | 100 | +14.799999999999997 |
Arbutus'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 Arbutus
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,881 students
Arbutus has a total population of 19,834, with approximately 1,881 college students (9.5% of the population). Arbutus has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arbutus
$43,727
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arbutus earn a median starting salary of $43,727, which is $8,727 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,716 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,192 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Maryland
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
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Ellicott City
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Arbutus
How we compile Arbutus 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 Arbutus 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: Arbutus'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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