College Costs in Elmira, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Elmira, 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
$1,293
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Elmira Overview
Population
26,710
Student Population
2,648 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
134.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Elmira
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,732
Total After Financial Aid
$103,732
Annual Cost
$25,933
Annual After Aid
$25,933
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,732 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,178 |
| Total Interest | $37,611 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,343 |
Universities in Elmira
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Elmira State University | Public | $10,433 |
| Elmira Community College | Community | $6,017 |
Elmira has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Elmira vs. National Average
| Category | Elmira | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,293 | $1,050 | +$243 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134.3 | 100 | +34.30000000000001 |
Elmira'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 Elmira
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,648 students
Elmira has a total population of 26,710, with approximately 2,648 college students (9.9% of the population). Elmira has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Elmira
$43,243
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Elmira earn a median starting salary of $43,243, which is $8,243 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,732 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,570 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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