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College Costs in Belfast, ME 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Belfast, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.

Avg Public Tuition

$12,100

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$40,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$654

per month

Colleges & Universities

1

institutions

Belfast Overview

Population

6,938

Student Population

1,672 (24.1%)

Cost of Living Index

111 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

47/100

Transit Score

13/100

Unemployment Rate

3.8%

College Cost Calculator for Belfast

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$103,176

Total After Financial Aid

$103,176

Annual Cost

$25,794

Annual After Aid

$25,794

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$48,400
Room & Board$54,776

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$103,176
Monthly Payment$1,172
Total Interest$37,409
Total Loan Cost$140,585

Universities in Belfast

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Belfast State UniversityPublic$11,587
Belfast Community CollegeCommunity$5,843

Belfast has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Belfast vs. National Average

CategoryBelfastNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$12,100$10,940+$1,160
Monthly Rent Near Campus$654$1,050-$396
Cost of Living Index111100+11

Belfast'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 Belfast

47

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

13

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

24.1%

Student Population

1,672 students

Belfast has a total population of 6,938, with approximately 1,672 college students (24.1% of the population). As a major college town, Belfast offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Belfast

$35,515

Starting Salary

3.8%

Unemployment Rate

63%

Graduation Rate

~200 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Belfast earn a median starting salary of $35,515, which is $515 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,176 (including room and board), it would take approximately 200 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,056 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

Other Cities in Maine

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Belfast

How we compile Belfast 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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Belfast institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Belfast's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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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