College Costs in Arlington, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Arlington, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,821
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Arlington Overview
Population
46,204
Student Population
4,128 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
121.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Arlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,868
Total After Financial Aid
$120,868
Annual Cost
$30,217
Annual After Aid
$30,217
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,868 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,372 |
| Total Interest | $43,824 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,692 |
Universities in Arlington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington State University | Public | $17,602 |
| Arlington Community College | Community | $5,782 |
Arlington has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arlington vs. National Average
| Category | Arlington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,821 | $1,050 | +$771 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121.5 | 100 | +21.5 |
Arlington'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 Arlington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,128 students
Arlington has a total population of 46,204, with approximately 4,128 college students (8.9% of the population). Arlington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arlington
$40,180
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arlington earn a median starting salary of $40,180, which is $5,180 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,868 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,450 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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