College Costs in Cheshire, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cheshire, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,014
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cheshire Overview
Population
29,261
Student Population
2,865 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
109.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cheshire
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,124
Total After Financial Aid
$122,124
Annual Cost
$30,531
Annual After Aid
$30,531
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,124 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,387 |
| Total Interest | $44,279 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,403 |
Universities in Cheshire
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cheshire State University | Public | $15,977 |
| Cheshire Community College | Community | $5,478 |
Cheshire has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cheshire vs. National Average
| Category | Cheshire | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,014 | $1,050 | -$36 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.9 | 100 | +9.900000000000006 |
Cheshire'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 Cheshire
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,865 students
Cheshire has a total population of 29,261, with approximately 2,865 college students (9.8% of the population). Cheshire has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cheshire
$41,180
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~20 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cheshire earn a median starting salary of $41,180, which is $6,180 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,124 (including room and board), it would take approximately 20 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,101 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cheshire
How we compile Cheshire 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 Cheshire 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: Cheshire'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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