College Costs in Bristol, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Bristol, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,053
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Bristol Overview
Population
60,039
Student Population
3,853 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
114.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Bristol
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,068
Total After Financial Aid
$116,068
Annual Cost
$29,017
Annual After Aid
$29,017
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,068 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,318 |
| Total Interest | $42,083 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,151 |
Universities in Bristol
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol State University | Public | $16,117 |
| Bristol Community College | Community | $5,431 |
Bristol has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bristol vs. National Average
| Category | Bristol | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,053 | $1,050 | +$3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 114.5 | 100 | +14.5 |
Bristol'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 Bristol
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,853 students
Bristol has a total population of 60,039, with approximately 3,853 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bristol offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bristol
$54,739
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bristol earn a median starting salary of $54,739, which is $19,739 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,068 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,534 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities