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
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
High Point
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cary
How we compile Cary 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 Cary 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: Cary'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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