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)
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
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast State University | Public | $11,587 |
| Belfast Community College | Community | $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
| Category | Belfast | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $654 | $1,050 | -$396 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 100 | +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
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
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
Portland
7 colleges · Avg tuition $10,016
Lewiston
3 colleges · Avg tuition $17,128
Bangor
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,438
Augusta
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,256
South Portland
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Biddeford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Scarborough
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Brunswick
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sanford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Saco
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Westbrook
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Belfast 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: Belfast'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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