College Cost Planning in Augusta, GA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Augusta, Georgia. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Augusta as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,540
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,837
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$848
per month
Local Cost Market
11
benchmark points
Augusta Overview
Population
202,081
Student Population
7,959 (3.9%)
Cost of Living Index
83 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Augusta
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$76,596
Total After Financial Aid
$76,596
Annual Cost
$19,149
Annual After Aid
$19,149
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $76,596 |
| Monthly Payment | $870 |
| Total Interest | $27,772 |
| Total Loan Cost | $104,368 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Augusta
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
11
Public tuition
$9,540
Private tuition
$30,837
Community college
$3,152
Cost of Living in Augusta vs. National Average
| Category | Augusta | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,540 | $10,940 | -$1,400 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $848 | $1,050 | -$202 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17 |
Augusta's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Augusta
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,959 students
Augusta has a total population of 202,081, with approximately 7,959 college students (3.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Augusta offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Augusta
$49,642
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~5.2 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Augusta earn a median starting salary of $49,642, which is $14,642 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 5.2 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $12,269 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Georgia
Atlanta
23 colleges · Avg tuition $10,828
Macon
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,056
Savannah
12 colleges · Avg tuition $6,268
Athens
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,080
Valdosta
6 colleges · Avg tuition $6,168
Statesboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $6,316
Milledgeville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,316
Columbus
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Sandy Springs
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Roswell
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Johns Creek
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Warner Robins
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Augusta
How we compile Augusta 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 Augusta 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: Augusta'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Augusta, GA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Augusta is $9,540. Private university tuition averages $30,837, and community college tuition averages $3,152. When room and board ($9,609/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $19,149.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Augusta, GA?
Augusta uses approximately 11 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 7,959, which represents 3.9% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Augusta?
The average rent near college campuses in Augusta is approximately $848 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 83 (national average is 100), a walk score of 54, and a public transit score of 27. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Augusta?
College graduates in Augusta earn a median starting salary of $49,642. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%. With an average financial aid package of $12,269 per student and a 56% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Augusta, GA?
With a median starting salary of $49,642 and an average 4-year public university cost of $76,596 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 5.2 years. The 56% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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