College Costs in Essex, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Essex, 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
$984
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Essex Overview
Population
39,262
Student Population
2,338 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
104.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Essex
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,552
Total After Financial Aid
$96,552
Annual Cost
$24,138
Annual After Aid
$24,138
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,552 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,096 |
| Total Interest | $35,007 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,559 |
Universities in Essex
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Essex State University | Public | $11,237 |
| Essex Community College | Community | $5,301 |
Essex has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Essex vs. National Average
| Category | Essex | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $984 | $1,050 | -$66 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.4 | 100 | +4.400000000000006 |
Essex's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Essex
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,338 students
Essex has a total population of 39,262, with approximately 2,338 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Essex offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Essex
$55,580
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Essex earn a median starting salary of $55,580, which is $20,580 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,552 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,261 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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