College Costs in Garfield, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Garfield, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,248
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Garfield Overview
Population
32,318
Student Population
1,626 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
123.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Garfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,572
Total After Financial Aid
$126,572
Annual Cost
$31,643
Annual After Aid
$31,643
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,572 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,437 |
| Total Interest | $45,892 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,464 |
Universities in Garfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Garfield State University | Public | $15,057 |
| Garfield Community College | Community | $5,927 |
Garfield has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Garfield vs. National Average
| Category | Garfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,248 | $1,050 | +$198 |
| Cost of Living Index | 123.7 | 100 | +23.700000000000003 |
Garfield'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 Garfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,626 students
Garfield has a total population of 32,318, with approximately 1,626 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Garfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Garfield
$55,359
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Garfield earn a median starting salary of $55,359, which is $20,359 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,572 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,117 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Jersey
Newark
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,507
Jersey City
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,750
Paterson
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,620
Trenton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $16,841
Hoboken
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,836
New Brunswick
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,804
Princeton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $15,873
Elizabeth
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Edison
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Lakewood
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Woodbridge
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Toms River
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
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