College Costs in Hamden, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Hamden, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,011
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Hamden Overview
Population
61,169
Student Population
4,946 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
110.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Hamden
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,176
Total After Financial Aid
$121,176
Annual Cost
$30,294
Annual After Aid
$30,294
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,176 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,376 |
| Total Interest | $43,935 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,111 |
Universities in Hamden
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hamden State University | Public | $14,687 |
| Hamden Community College | Community | $5,723 |
Hamden has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hamden vs. National Average
| Category | Hamden | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,011 | $1,050 | -$39 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.4 | 100 | +10.400000000000006 |
Hamden'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 Hamden
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,946 students
Hamden has a total population of 61,169, with approximately 4,946 college students (8.1% of the population). Hamden has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hamden
$54,153
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hamden earn a median starting salary of $54,153, which is $19,153 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,176 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,206 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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