College Costs in Chester, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Chester, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$699
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Chester Overview
Population
33,988
Student Population
2,240 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
99.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Chester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,364
Total After Financial Aid
$117,364
Annual Cost
$29,341
Annual After Aid
$29,341
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,364 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,333 |
| Total Interest | $42,553 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,917 |
Universities in Chester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Chester State University | Public | $16,113 |
| Chester Community College | Community | $5,074 |
Chester has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chester vs. National Average
| Category | Chester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $699 | $1,050 | -$351 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.6 | 100 | -0.4000000000000057 |
Chester's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Chester
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,240 students
Chester has a total population of 33,988, with approximately 2,240 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chester offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chester
$41,525
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chester earn a median starting salary of $41,525, which is $6,525 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,364 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,510 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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