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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bristol
How we compile Bristol 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 Bristol 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: Bristol'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
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