College Cost Planning in Cambridge, MA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Cambridge, Massachusetts. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Cambridge as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,207
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$57,624
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,322
per month
Local Cost Market
6
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Cambridge
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
6
Public tuition
$13,207
Private tuition
$57,624
Community college
$5,760
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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 6 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $14,677 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Lynn
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cambridge
How we compile Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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: Cambridge'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Cambridge, MA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Cambridge is $13,207. Private university tuition averages $57,624, and community college tuition averages $5,760. When room and board ($17,447/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $30,654.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge uses approximately 6 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 23,299, which represents 19.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Cambridge?
The average rent near college campuses in Cambridge is approximately $1,322 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 133 (national average is 100), a walk score of 61, and a public transit score of 31. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Cambridge?
College graduates in Cambridge earn a median starting salary of $55,557. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%. With an average financial aid package of $14,677 per student and a 75% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Cambridge, MA?
With a median starting salary of $55,557 and an average 4-year public university cost of $122,616 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 6 years. The 75% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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