College Costs in Brookline, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Brookline, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,674
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Brookline Overview
Population
59,180
Student Population
3,954 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
134 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Brookline
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$130,008
Total After Financial Aid
$130,008
Annual Cost
$32,502
Annual After Aid
$32,502
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $130,008 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,476 |
| Total Interest | $47,138 |
| Total Loan Cost | $177,146 |
Universities in Brookline
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brookline State University | Public | $15,139 |
| Brookline Community College | Community | $5,891 |
Brookline has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brookline vs. National Average
| Category | Brookline | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,674 | $1,050 | +$624 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 | +34 |
Brookline'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 Brookline
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,954 students
Brookline has a total population of 59,180, with approximately 3,954 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Brookline offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brookline
$51,520
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brookline earn a median starting salary of $51,520, which is $16,520 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $130,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,136 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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