College Costs in Bristol, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bristol, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$795
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bristol Overview
Population
27,147
Student Population
1,959 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Bristol
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,312
Total After Financial Aid
$96,312
Annual Cost
$24,078
Annual After Aid
$24,078
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,312 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,094 |
| Total Interest | $34,920 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,232 |
Universities in Bristol
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol State University | Public | $9,223 |
| Bristol Community College | Community | $5,718 |
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) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $795 | $1,050 | -$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
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
1,959 students
Bristol has a total population of 27,147, with approximately 1,959 college students (7.2% 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
$35,482
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~200 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bristol earn a median starting salary of $35,482, which is $482 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,312 (including room and board), it would take approximately 200 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,058 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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