College Costs in Hackensack, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Hackensack, 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
$1,185
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Hackensack Overview
Population
45,165
Student Population
3,548 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
118.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Hackensack
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,340
Total After Financial Aid
$127,340
Annual Cost
$31,835
Annual After Aid
$31,835
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,340 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,446 |
| Total Interest | $46,170 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,510 |
Universities in Hackensack
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hackensack State University | Public | $17,633 |
| Hackensack Community College | Community | $6,302 |
Hackensack has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hackensack vs. National Average
| Category | Hackensack | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,185 | $1,050 | +$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118.4 | 100 | +18.400000000000006 |
Hackensack'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 Hackensack
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,548 students
Hackensack has a total population of 45,165, with approximately 3,548 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Hackensack offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hackensack
$56,081
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hackensack earn a median starting salary of $56,081, which is $21,081 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,340 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,181 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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