College Costs in Dunkirk, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Dunkirk, 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
$1,230
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Dunkirk Overview
Population
12,000
Student Population
936 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
125.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Dunkirk
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,628
Total After Financial Aid
$103,628
Annual Cost
$25,907
Annual After Aid
$25,907
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,177 |
| Total Interest | $37,573 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,201 |
Universities in Dunkirk
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkirk State University | Public | $9,689 |
| Dunkirk Community College | Community | $6,030 |
Dunkirk has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dunkirk vs. National Average
| Category | Dunkirk | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,230 | $1,050 | +$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.6 | 100 | +25.599999999999994 |
Dunkirk'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 Dunkirk
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
936 students
Dunkirk has a total population of 12,000, with approximately 936 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Dunkirk offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dunkirk
$49,725
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dunkirk earn a median starting salary of $49,725, which is $14,725 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,051 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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