College Costs in Cooleemee, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cooleemee, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$675
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cooleemee Overview
Population
20,063
Student Population
2,526 (12.6%)
Cost of Living Index
89.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cooleemee
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,800
Total After Financial Aid
$89,800
Annual Cost
$22,450
Annual After Aid
$22,450
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,020 |
| Total Interest | $32,559 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,359 |
Universities in Cooleemee
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cooleemee State University | Public | $9,093 |
| Cooleemee Community College | Community | $4,900 |
Cooleemee has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cooleemee vs. National Average
| Category | Cooleemee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $675 | $1,050 | -$375 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.7 | 100 | -10.299999999999997 |
Cooleemee's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Cooleemee
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,526 students
Cooleemee has a total population of 20,063, with approximately 2,526 college students (12.6% of the population). Cooleemee has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cooleemee
$38,020
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~30 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cooleemee earn a median starting salary of $38,020, which is $3,020 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 30 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,286 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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