College Costs in Fayetteville, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 15 colleges in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$5,925
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$37,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$877
per month
Colleges & Universities
15
institutions
Fayetteville Overview
Population
208,501
Student Population
60,360 (28.9%)
Cost of Living Index
90 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
75/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Fayetteville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$65,676
Total After Financial Aid
$65,676
Annual Cost
$16,419
Annual After Aid
$16,419
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $65,676 |
| Monthly Payment | $746 |
| Total Interest | $23,813 |
| Total Loan Cost | $89,489 |
Universities in Fayetteville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State University | Public | $5,925 |
| Methodist University | Private | $37,000 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Fayetteville has 15 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fayetteville vs. National Average
| Category | Fayetteville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $5,925 | $10,940 | -$5,015 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $877 | $1,050 | -$173 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 | -10 |
Fayetteville'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 Fayetteville
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
60,360 students
Fayetteville has a total population of 208,501, with approximately 60,360 college students (28.9% of the population). As a major college town, Fayetteville offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fayetteville
$47,975
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fayetteville earn a median starting salary of $47,975, which is $12,975 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $65,676 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,488 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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