College Costs in Graham, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Graham, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$690
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Graham Overview
Population
19,960
Student Population
2,617 (13.1%)
Cost of Living Index
98.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Graham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,860
Total After Financial Aid
$90,860
Annual Cost
$22,715
Annual After Aid
$22,715
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,032 |
| Total Interest | $32,944 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,804 |
Universities in Graham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Graham State University | Public | $8,766 |
| Graham Community College | Community | $5,225 |
Graham has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Graham vs. National Average
| Category | Graham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $690 | $1,050 | -$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.9 | 100 | -1.0999999999999943 |
Graham's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Graham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,617 students
Graham has a total population of 19,960, with approximately 2,617 college students (13.1% of the population). Graham has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Graham
$31,925
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Graham earn a median starting salary of $31,925, which is -$3,075 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,941 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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