College Costs in Cambridge, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,207
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$57,624
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,322
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Cambridge Overview
Population
118,403
Student Population
23,299 (19.7%)
Cost of Living Index
133 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
31/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Cambridge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,616
Total After Financial Aid
$122,616
Annual Cost
$30,654
Annual After Aid
$30,654
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,616 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,392 |
| Total Interest | $44,458 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,074 |
Universities in Cambridge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Private | $57,261 |
| MIT | Private | $57,986 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | Community | $5,760 |
Cambridge has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cambridge vs. National Average
| Category | Cambridge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,207 | $10,940 | +$2,267 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,322 | $1,050 | +$272 |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 100 | +33 |
Cambridge'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 Cambridge
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
23,299 students
Cambridge has a total population of 118,403, with approximately 23,299 college students (19.7% of the population). As a major college town, Cambridge offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cambridge
$55,557
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cambridge earn a median starting salary of $55,557, which is $20,557 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,616 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,677 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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