College Costs in Bear, DE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bear, Delaware. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$882
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bear Overview
Population
21,190
Student Population
1,690 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
94.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Bear
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,484
Total After Financial Aid
$107,484
Annual Cost
$26,871
Annual After Aid
$26,871
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,220 |
| Total Interest | $38,971 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,455 |
Universities in Bear
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bear State University | Public | $12,549 |
| Bear Community College | Community | $5,122 |
Bear has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bear vs. National Average
| Category | Bear | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,100 | $10,940 | +$2,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $882 | $1,050 | -$168 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5 |
Bear'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 Bear
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,690 students
Bear has a total population of 21,190, with approximately 1,690 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bear offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bear
$39,829
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bear earn a median starting salary of $39,829, which is $4,829 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,467 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Delaware
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $14,280
Dover
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,770
Newark
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Middletown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Pike Creek
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Glasgow
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Brookside
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Hockessin
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Smyrna
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Milford
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Pike Creek Valley
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Claymont
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities