College Costs in Ayden, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ayden, 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
$1,035
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ayden Overview
Population
19,880
Student Population
1,442 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
93.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Ayden
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,384
Total After Financial Aid
$89,384
Annual Cost
$22,346
Annual After Aid
$22,346
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,384 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,015 |
| Total Interest | $32,408 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,792 |
Universities in Ayden
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ayden State University | Public | $9,128 |
| Ayden Community College | Community | $5,280 |
Ayden has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ayden vs. National Average
| Category | Ayden | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,035 | $1,050 | -$15 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.7 | 100 | -6.299999999999997 |
Ayden'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 Ayden
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,442 students
Ayden has a total population of 19,880, with approximately 1,442 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Ayden offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ayden
$35,874
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~102 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ayden earn a median starting salary of $35,874, which is $874 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,384 (including room and board), it would take approximately 102 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,048 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
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15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
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Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
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