College Costs in Cranford, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cranford, 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
$1,134
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cranford Overview
Population
24,387
Student Population
2,915 (12.0%)
Cost of Living Index
125.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Cranford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,604
Total After Financial Aid
$127,604
Annual Cost
$31,901
Annual After Aid
$31,901
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,604 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,449 |
| Total Interest | $46,266 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,870 |
Universities in Cranford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cranford State University | Public | $17,286 |
| Cranford Community College | Community | $5,550 |
Cranford has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cranford vs. National Average
| Category | Cranford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,134 | $1,050 | +$84 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.8 | 100 | +25.799999999999997 |
Cranford'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 Cranford
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,915 students
Cranford has a total population of 24,387, with approximately 2,915 college students (12.0% of the population). Cranford has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cranford
$52,252
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cranford earn a median starting salary of $52,252, which is $17,252 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,604 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,069 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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