College Costs in Carnegie, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carnegie Overview
Population
23,122
Student Population
1,684 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
95.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Carnegie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,532
Total After Financial Aid
$113,532
Annual Cost
$28,383
Annual After Aid
$28,383
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,532 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,289 |
| Total Interest | $41,164 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,696 |
Universities in Carnegie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie State University | Public | $14,327 |
| Carnegie Community College | Community | $5,062 |
Carnegie has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carnegie vs. National Average
| Category | Carnegie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.1 | 100 | -4.900000000000006 |
Carnegie's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Carnegie
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,684 students
Carnegie has a total population of 23,122, with approximately 1,684 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Carnegie offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carnegie
$42,701
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carnegie earn a median starting salary of $42,701, which is $7,701 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,532 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,414 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
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Carnegie
How we compile Carnegie 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 Carnegie 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: Carnegie'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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