College Costs in Carrboro, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carrboro, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$729
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carrboro Overview
Population
21,295
Student Population
1,887 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
95.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Carrboro
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,360
Total After Financial Aid
$91,360
Annual Cost
$22,840
Annual After Aid
$22,840
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,037 |
| Total Interest | $33,125 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,485 |
Universities in Carrboro
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carrboro State University | Public | $8,548 |
| Carrboro Community College | Community | $5,566 |
Carrboro has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carrboro vs. National Average
| Category | Carrboro | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $729 | $1,050 | -$321 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.2 | 100 | -4.799999999999997 |
Carrboro's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Carrboro
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,887 students
Carrboro has a total population of 21,295, with approximately 1,887 college students (8.9% of the population). Carrboro has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carrboro
$35,541
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~169 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carrboro earn a median starting salary of $35,541, which is $541 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 169 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,226 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities