College Costs in Cranston, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Cranston, Rhode Island. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,509
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$31,370
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,706
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Cranston Overview
Population
82,934
Student Population
3,012 (3.6%)
Cost of Living Index
115 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Cranston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,756
Total After Financial Aid
$126,756
Annual Cost
$31,689
Annual After Aid
$31,689
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,756 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,439 |
| Total Interest | $45,959 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,715 |
Universities in Cranston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology Cranston | Private | $31,370 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Community | $4,994 |
Cranston has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cranston vs. National Average
| Category | Cranston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,509 | $10,940 | +$1,569 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,706 | $1,050 | +$656 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 100 | +15 |
Cranston'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 Cranston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,012 students
Cranston has a total population of 82,934, with approximately 3,012 college students (3.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cranston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cranston
$71,101
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cranston earn a median starting salary of $71,101, which is $36,101 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,756 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,765 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities