College Costs in Essex, VT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Essex, Vermont. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$18,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$735
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Essex Overview
Population
22,205
Student Population
1,809 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
116.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Essex
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$132,000
Total After Financial Aid
$132,000
Annual Cost
$33,000
Annual After Aid
$33,000
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $132,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,499 |
| Total Interest | $47,860 |
| Total Loan Cost | $179,860 |
Universities in Essex
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Essex State University | Public | $18,177 |
| Essex Community College | Community | $6,054 |
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) | $18,800 | $10,940 | +$7,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $735 | $1,050 | -$315 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.7 | 100 | +16.700000000000003 |
Essex'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 Essex
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,809 students
Essex has a total population of 22,205, with approximately 1,809 college students (8.1% of the population). Essex has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Essex
$32,386
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Essex earn a median starting salary of $32,386, which is -$2,614 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $132,000 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,925 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Vermont
Burlington
3 colleges · Avg tuition $18,802
Rutland
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,907
Middlebury
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,605
Montpelier
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,408
South Burlington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Colchester
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Bennington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Brattleboro
1 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Essex Junction
1 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Milton
1 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Hartford
1 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Williston
1 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
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