College Costs in Erie, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Erie, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,346
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,160
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,500
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Erie Overview
Population
94,831
Student Population
8,627 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Erie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$148,968
Total After Financial Aid
$148,968
Annual Cost
$37,242
Annual After Aid
$37,242
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $148,968 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,692 |
| Total Interest | $54,012 |
| Total Loan Cost | $202,980 |
Universities in Erie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gannon University | Private | $35,160 |
| Penn State Behrend | Public | $15,346 |
| Erie Community College | Community | $5,070 |
Erie has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Erie vs. National Average
| Category | Erie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,346 | $10,940 | +$4,406 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,500 | $1,050 | +$450 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
Erie'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 Erie
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,627 students
Erie has a total population of 94,831, with approximately 8,627 college students (9.1% of the population). Erie has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Erie
$68,642
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Erie earn a median starting salary of $68,642, which is $33,642 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $148,968 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,237 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Villanova
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,670
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities