College Costs in Catawba, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Catawba, 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
$1,020
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Catawba Overview
Population
19,577
Student Population
1,952 (10.0%)
Cost of Living Index
109.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Catawba
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,784
Total After Financial Aid
$95,784
Annual Cost
$23,946
Annual After Aid
$23,946
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,088 |
| Total Interest | $34,729 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,513 |
Universities in Catawba
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Catawba State University | Public | $10,114 |
| Catawba Community College | Community | $5,763 |
Catawba has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Catawba vs. National Average
| Category | Catawba | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,020 | $1,050 | -$30 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.2 | 100 | +9.200000000000003 |
Catawba'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 Catawba
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,952 students
Catawba has a total population of 19,577, with approximately 1,952 college students (10.0% of the population). Catawba has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Catawba
$38,682
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~26 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Catawba earn a median starting salary of $38,682, which is $3,682 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 26 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,824 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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