College Costs in Beaufort, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Beaufort, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$729
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Beaufort Overview
Population
13,417
Student Population
2,344 (17.5%)
Cost of Living Index
91.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Beaufort
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,724
Total After Financial Aid
$100,724
Annual Cost
$25,181
Annual After Aid
$25,181
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,724 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,144 |
| Total Interest | $36,520 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,244 |
Universities in Beaufort
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Beaufort State University | Public | $12,466 |
| Beaufort Community College | Community | $5,521 |
Beaufort has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Beaufort vs. National Average
| Category | Beaufort | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $729 | $1,050 | -$321 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.5 | 100 | -8.5 |
Beaufort'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 Beaufort
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,344 students
Beaufort has a total population of 13,417, with approximately 2,344 college students (17.5% of the population). As a major college town, Beaufort offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Beaufort
$30,669
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Beaufort earn a median starting salary of $30,669, which is -$4,331 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,724 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,275 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Beaufort
How we compile Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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: Beaufort'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
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