College Costs in Ellicott City, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Ellicott City, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,287
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Ellicott City Overview
Population
73,272
Student Population
4,144 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
114.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Ellicott City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,024
Total After Financial Aid
$101,024
Annual Cost
$25,256
Annual After Aid
$25,256
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,024 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,147 |
| Total Interest | $36,629 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,653 |
Universities in Ellicott City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ellicott City State University | Public | $11,216 |
| Ellicott City Community College | Community | $5,433 |
Ellicott City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ellicott City vs. National Average
| Category | Ellicott City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,287 | $1,050 | +$237 |
| Cost of Living Index | 114.2 | 100 | +14.200000000000003 |
Ellicott City'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 Ellicott City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,144 students
Ellicott City has a total population of 73,272, with approximately 4,144 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Ellicott City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ellicott City
$44,586
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ellicott City earn a median starting salary of $44,586, which is $9,586 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,024 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,896 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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