College Costs in Bristol, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bristol, Rhode Island. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,134
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bristol Overview
Population
22,954
Student Population
1,868 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
94.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Bristol
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,392
Total After Financial Aid
$113,392
Annual Cost
$28,348
Annual After Aid
$28,348
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,392 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,288 |
| Total Interest | $41,113 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,505 |
Universities in Bristol
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol State University | Public | $14,518 |
| Bristol Community College | Community | $5,244 |
Bristol has 2 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) | $14,800 | $10,940 | +$3,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,134 | $1,050 | +$84 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.9 | 100 | -5.099999999999994 |
Bristol's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Bristol
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,868 students
Bristol has a total population of 22,954, with approximately 1,868 college students (8.1% of the population). Bristol has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bristol
$35,570
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~199 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bristol earn a median starting salary of $35,570, which is $570 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,392 (including room and board), it would take approximately 199 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,382 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Providence
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,259
Cranston
8 colleges · Avg tuition $12,509
Warwick
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,521
Pawtucket
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
East Providence
3 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Woonsocket
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Cumberland
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Coventry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
North Providence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
South Kingstown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Johnston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
West Warwick
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
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