College Costs in Calais, ME 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Calais, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$915
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Calais Overview
Population
26,186
Student Population
2,058 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
98 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Calais
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,792
Total After Financial Aid
$101,792
Annual Cost
$25,448
Annual After Aid
$25,448
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,792 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,156 |
| Total Interest | $36,907 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,699 |
Universities in Calais
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Calais State University | Public | $10,940 |
| Calais Community College | Community | $5,621 |
Calais has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Calais vs. National Average
| Category | Calais | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $915 | $1,050 | -$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 100 | -2 |
Calais's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Calais
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,058 students
Calais has a total population of 26,186, with approximately 2,058 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Calais offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Calais
$40,096
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~20 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Calais earn a median starting salary of $40,096, which is $5,096 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,792 (including room and board), it would take approximately 20 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,162 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Maine
Portland
7 colleges · Avg tuition $10,016
Lewiston
3 colleges · Avg tuition $17,128
Bangor
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,438
Augusta
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,256
South Portland
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Biddeford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Scarborough
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Brunswick
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sanford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Saco
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Westbrook
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Calais
How we compile Calais 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 Calais 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: Calais'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
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