College Costs in Barnstable, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Barnstable, 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
$1,800
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Barnstable Overview
Population
44,641
Student Population
3,454 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
125.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Barnstable
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,756
Total After Financial Aid
$127,756
Annual Cost
$31,939
Annual After Aid
$31,939
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,756 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,451 |
| Total Interest | $46,321 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,077 |
Universities in Barnstable
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable State University | Public | $16,056 |
| Barnstable Community College | Community | $6,424 |
Barnstable has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Barnstable vs. National Average
| Category | Barnstable | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,800 | $1,050 | +$750 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.3 | 100 | +25.299999999999997 |
Barnstable'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 Barnstable
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,454 students
Barnstable has a total population of 44,641, with approximately 3,454 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Barnstable offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Barnstable
$49,865
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Barnstable earn a median starting salary of $49,865, which is $14,865 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,756 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,997 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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Barnstable
How we compile Barnstable 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 Barnstable 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: Barnstable'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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