College Costs in Chelmsford, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,731
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Chelmsford Overview
Population
35,085
Student Population
1,985 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
127.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Chelmsford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,100
Total After Financial Aid
$126,100
Annual Cost
$31,525
Annual After Aid
$31,525
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,100 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,432 |
| Total Interest | $45,721 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,821 |
Universities in Chelmsford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford State University | Public | $16,989 |
| Chelmsford Community College | Community | $5,780 |
Chelmsford has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chelmsford vs. National Average
| Category | Chelmsford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,731 | $1,050 | +$681 |
| Cost of Living Index | 127.9 | 100 | +27.900000000000006 |
Chelmsford'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 Chelmsford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,985 students
Chelmsford has a total population of 35,085, with approximately 1,985 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chelmsford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chelmsford
$56,459
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chelmsford earn a median starting salary of $56,459, which is $21,459 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,100 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,413 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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