College Costs in Cortland, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cortland, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,071
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cortland Overview
Population
18,617
Student Population
2,393 (12.9%)
Cost of Living Index
137.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Cortland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,896
Total After Financial Aid
$104,896
Annual Cost
$26,224
Annual After Aid
$26,224
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,896 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,191 |
| Total Interest | $38,033 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,929 |
Universities in Cortland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cortland State University | Public | $9,738 |
| Cortland Community College | Community | $5,866 |
Cortland has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cortland vs. National Average
| Category | Cortland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,071 | $1,050 | +$21 |
| Cost of Living Index | 137.7 | 100 | +37.69999999999999 |
Cortland'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 Cortland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,393 students
Cortland has a total population of 18,617, with approximately 2,393 college students (12.9% of the population). Cortland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cortland
$41,226
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cortland earn a median starting salary of $41,226, which is $6,226 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,896 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,891 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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