College Costs in Clifton, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Clifton, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,239
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Clifton Overview
Population
89,266
Student Population
4,646 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
126.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
31/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Clifton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,604
Total After Financial Aid
$128,604
Annual Cost
$32,151
Annual After Aid
$32,151
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,604 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,460 |
| Total Interest | $46,629 |
| Total Loan Cost | $175,233 |
Universities in Clifton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton State University | Public | $15,130 |
| Clifton Community College | Community | $5,623 |
Clifton has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clifton vs. National Average
| Category | Clifton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,239 | $1,050 | +$189 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126.9 | 100 | +26.900000000000006 |
Clifton'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
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,646 students
Clifton has a total population of 89,266, with approximately 4,646 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clifton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clifton
$64,517
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clifton earn a median starting salary of $64,517, which is $29,517 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,604 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,494 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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