College Costs in Durham, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 25 colleges in Durham, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,477
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$62,688
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$863
per month
Colleges & Universities
25
institutions
Durham Overview
Population
283,506
Student Population
56,021 (19.8%)
Cost of Living Index
109 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
37/100
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
College Cost Calculator for Durham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,312
Total After Financial Aid
$82,312
Annual Cost
$20,578
Annual After Aid
$20,578
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,312 |
| Monthly Payment | $935 |
| Total Interest | $29,844 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,156 |
Universities in Durham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Duke University | Private | $62,688 |
| North Carolina Central University | Public | $6,477 |
| Durham Technical Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Durham has 25 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Durham vs. National Average
| Category | Durham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,477 | $10,940 | -$4,463 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $863 | $1,050 | -$187 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109 | 100 | +9 |
Durham'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 Durham
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
56,021 students
Durham has a total population of 283,506, with approximately 56,021 college students (19.8% of the population). As a major college town, Durham offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Durham
$41,621
Starting Salary
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Durham earn a median starting salary of $41,621, which is $6,621 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,312 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,850 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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