College Costs in Bethesda, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Bethesda, 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
$1,236
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Bethesda Overview
Population
68,056
Student Population
5,163 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
116.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Bethesda
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,248
Total After Financial Aid
$105,248
Annual Cost
$26,312
Annual After Aid
$26,312
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,195 |
| Total Interest | $38,160 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,408 |
Universities in Bethesda
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bethesda State University | Public | $10,574 |
| Bethesda Community College | Community | $6,190 |
Bethesda has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bethesda vs. National Average
| Category | Bethesda | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,236 | $1,050 | +$186 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.7 | 100 | +16.700000000000003 |
Bethesda'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 Bethesda
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,163 students
Bethesda has a total population of 68,056, with approximately 5,163 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bethesda offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bethesda
$55,284
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bethesda earn a median starting salary of $55,284, which is $20,284 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,526 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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