College Costs in Carlisle, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,374
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,950
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,828
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carlisle Overview
Population
20,420
Student Population
1,698 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
130 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
College Cost Calculator for Carlisle
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$136,220
Total After Financial Aid
$136,220
Annual Cost
$34,055
Annual After Aid
$34,055
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $136,220 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,547 |
| Total Interest | $49,390 |
| Total Loan Cost | $185,610 |
Universities in Carlisle
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dickinson College | Private | $60,950 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College Gettysburg | Community | $5,070 |
Carlisle has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carlisle vs. National Average
| Category | Carlisle | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,374 | $10,940 | +$3,434 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,828 | $1,050 | +$778 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 100 | +30 |
Carlisle'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 Carlisle
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,698 students
Carlisle has a total population of 20,420, with approximately 1,698 college students (8.3% of the population). Carlisle has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carlisle
$66,757
Starting Salary
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carlisle earn a median starting salary of $66,757, which is $31,757 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $136,220 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,625 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Villanova
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,670
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Carlisle
How we compile Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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: Carlisle'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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