College Costs in Bristol, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bristol, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,011
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bristol Overview
Population
17,141
Student Population
1,193 (7.0%)
Cost of Living Index
101.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Bristol
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,128
Total After Financial Aid
$113,128
Annual Cost
$28,282
Annual After Aid
$28,282
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,128 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,285 |
| Total Interest | $41,017 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,145 |
Universities in Bristol
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol State University | Public | $13,130 |
| Bristol Community College | Community | $5,708 |
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) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,011 | $1,050 | -$39 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.1 | 100 | +1.0999999999999943 |
Bristol's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Bristol
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,193 students
Bristol has a total population of 17,141, with approximately 1,193 college students (7.0% 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
$42,981
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bristol earn a median starting salary of $42,981, which is $7,981 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,128 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,578 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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