College Cost Planning in Cape Elizabeth, ME 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Cape Elizabeth 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$798
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Cape Elizabeth Overview
Population
9,349
Student Population
1,949 (20.8%)
Cost of Living Index
101.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cape Elizabeth
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,412
Total After Financial Aid
$103,412
Annual Cost
$25,853
Annual After Aid
$25,853
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,412 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,174 |
| Total Interest | $37,495 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,907 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Cape Elizabeth
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
1
Public tuition
$12,100
Private tuition
$40,000
Community college
$5,984
Cost of Living in Cape Elizabeth vs. National Average
| Category | Cape Elizabeth | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $798 | $1,050 | -$252 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.5 | 100 | +1.5 |
Cape Elizabeth's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cape Elizabeth
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,949 students
Cape Elizabeth has a total population of 9,349, with approximately 1,949 college students (20.8% of the population). As a major college town, Cape Elizabeth offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cape Elizabeth
$38,245
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~31.9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cape Elizabeth earn a median starting salary of $38,245, which is $3,245 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 31.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $11,546 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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 Cape Elizabeth
How we compile Cape Elizabeth 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 Cape Elizabeth 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: Cape Elizabeth'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 Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Cape Elizabeth is $12,100. Private university tuition averages $40,000, and community college tuition averages $5,984. When room and board ($13,753/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $25,853.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Cape Elizabeth uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,949, which represents 20.8% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Cape Elizabeth?
The average rent near college campuses in Cape Elizabeth is approximately $798 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 101.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 32, and a public transit score of 21. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Cape Elizabeth?
College graduates in Cape Elizabeth earn a median starting salary of $38,245. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%. With an average financial aid package of $11,546 per student and a 49% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
With a median starting salary of $38,245 and an average 4-year public university cost of $103,412 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 31.9 years. The 49% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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