College Costs in Cary, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Cary, 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
$1,335
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Cary Overview
Population
174,721
Student Population
9,046 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
108.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cary
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,256
Total After Financial Aid
$98,256
Annual Cost
$24,564
Annual After Aid
$24,564
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,256 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,116 |
| Total Interest | $35,625 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,881 |
Universities in Cary
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cary State University | Public | $8,460 |
| University of Cary | Public | $9,070 |
| Cary Community College | Community | $5,719 |
Cary has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cary vs. National Average
| Category | Cary | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,335 | $1,050 | +$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5 |
Cary'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 Cary
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,046 students
Cary has a total population of 174,721, with approximately 9,046 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cary offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cary
$57,522
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cary earn a median starting salary of $57,522, which is $22,522 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,256 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,896 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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