College Costs in Darien, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Darien, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$861
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Darien Overview
Population
21,499
Student Population
2,784 (12.9%)
Cost of Living Index
104.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Darien
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,008
Total After Financial Aid
$116,008
Annual Cost
$29,002
Annual After Aid
$29,002
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,008 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,317 |
| Total Interest | $42,062 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,070 |
Universities in Darien
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Darien State University | Public | $14,643 |
| Darien Community College | Community | $5,491 |
Darien has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Darien vs. National Average
| Category | Darien | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $861 | $1,050 | -$189 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.8 | 100 | +4.799999999999997 |
Darien's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Darien
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,784 students
Darien has a total population of 21,499, with approximately 2,784 college students (12.9% of the population). Darien has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Darien
$41,450
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Darien earn a median starting salary of $41,450, which is $6,450 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,546 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
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7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
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10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
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10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
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8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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