College Costs in Clifton Forge, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clifton Forge, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,665
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clifton Forge Overview
Population
19,144
Student Population
2,071 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
105.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Clifton Forge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,544
Total After Financial Aid
$110,544
Annual Cost
$27,636
Annual After Aid
$27,636
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,544 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,255 |
| Total Interest | $40,081 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,625 |
Universities in Clifton Forge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton Forge State University | Public | $13,116 |
| Clifton Forge Community College | Community | $5,862 |
Clifton Forge has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clifton Forge vs. National Average
| Category | Clifton Forge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,665 | $1,050 | +$615 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.9 | 100 | +5.900000000000006 |
Clifton Forge'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 Clifton Forge
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,071 students
Clifton Forge has a total population of 19,144, with approximately 2,071 college students (10.8% of the population). Clifton Forge has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clifton Forge
$47,178
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clifton Forge earn a median starting salary of $47,178, which is $12,178 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,544 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,080 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clifton Forge
How we compile Clifton Forge 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 Clifton Forge 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: Clifton Forge'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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