College Costs in Bel Air, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Bel Air, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$936
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Bel Air Overview
Population
10,792
Student Population
1,474 (13.7%)
Cost of Living Index
106.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Bel Air
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,652
Total After Financial Aid
$103,652
Annual Cost
$25,913
Annual After Aid
$25,913
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,652 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,177 |
| Total Interest | $37,582 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,234 |
Universities in Bel Air
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bel Air State University | Public | $11,828 |
| Bel Air Community College | Community | $5,497 |
Bel Air has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bel Air vs. National Average
| Category | Bel Air | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $936 | $1,050 | -$114 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106.3 | 100 | +6.299999999999997 |
Bel Air'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 Bel Air
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,474 students
Bel Air has a total population of 10,792, with approximately 1,474 college students (13.7% of the population). Bel Air has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bel Air
$52,762
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bel Air earn a median starting salary of $52,762, which is $17,762 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,652 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,216 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Maryland
Baltimore
22 colleges · Avg tuition $12,096
Columbia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Silver Spring
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Frederick
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Waldorf
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Ellicott City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Glen Burnie
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Rockville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Bethesda
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Gaithersburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Dundalk
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Bowie
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bel Air
How we compile Bel Air 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 Bel Air 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: Bel Air'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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