College Costs in Bellingham, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,800
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bellingham Overview
Population
21,941
Student Population
1,603 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
134.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Bellingham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,792
Total After Financial Aid
$127,792
Annual Cost
$31,948
Annual After Aid
$31,948
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,792 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,451 |
| Total Interest | $46,334 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,126 |
Universities in Bellingham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham State University | Public | $16,278 |
| Bellingham Community College | Community | $6,293 |
Bellingham has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bellingham vs. National Average
| Category | Bellingham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,800 | $1,050 | +$750 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134.4 | 100 | +34.400000000000006 |
Bellingham'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 Bellingham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,603 students
Bellingham has a total population of 21,941, with approximately 1,603 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bellingham offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bellingham
$54,294
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bellingham earn a median starting salary of $54,294, which is $19,294 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,792 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,434 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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