College Costs in Gaithersburg, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Gaithersburg, 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
$1,335
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Gaithersburg Overview
Population
67,417
Student Population
3,512 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
118.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Gaithersburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,052
Total After Financial Aid
$103,052
Annual Cost
$25,763
Annual After Aid
$25,763
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,052 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,170 |
| Total Interest | $37,364 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,416 |
Universities in Gaithersburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gaithersburg State University | Public | $10,577 |
| Gaithersburg Community College | Community | $5,680 |
Gaithersburg has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gaithersburg vs. National Average
| Category | Gaithersburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,335 | $1,050 | +$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118.5 | 100 | +18.5 |
Gaithersburg'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 Gaithersburg
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,512 students
Gaithersburg has a total population of 67,417, with approximately 3,512 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gaithersburg offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gaithersburg
$55,334
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gaithersburg earn a median starting salary of $55,334, which is $20,334 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,052 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,296 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Maryland
Baltimore
22 colleges · Avg tuition $12,096
Columbia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Silver Spring
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Frederick
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Waldorf
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Ellicott City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Glen Burnie
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Rockville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Bethesda
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Dundalk
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Bowie
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
Towson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,800
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