College Costs in Emerald Isle, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$810
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Emerald Isle Overview
Population
20,354
Student Population
2,973 (14.6%)
Cost of Living Index
87.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Emerald Isle
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,588
Total After Financial Aid
$86,588
Annual Cost
$21,647
Annual After Aid
$21,647
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,588 |
| Monthly Payment | $983 |
| Total Interest | $31,395 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,983 |
Universities in Emerald Isle
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald Isle State University | Public | $8,751 |
| Emerald Isle Community College | Community | $5,490 |
Emerald Isle has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Emerald Isle vs. National Average
| Category | Emerald Isle | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $810 | $1,050 | -$240 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.6 | 100 | -12.400000000000006 |
Emerald Isle's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Emerald Isle
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,973 students
Emerald Isle has a total population of 20,354, with approximately 2,973 college students (14.6% of the population). Emerald Isle has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Emerald Isle
$31,164
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Emerald Isle earn a median starting salary of $31,164, which is -$3,836 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,588 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,448 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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