College Costs in Harrisburg, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Harrisburg, 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
$819
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Harrisburg Overview
Population
17,116
Student Population
2,568 (15.0%)
Cost of Living Index
88.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Harrisburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,676
Total After Financial Aid
$89,676
Annual Cost
$22,419
Annual After Aid
$22,419
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,676 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,018 |
| Total Interest | $32,514 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,190 |
Universities in Harrisburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg State University | Public | $8,571 |
| Harrisburg Community College | Community | $4,833 |
Harrisburg has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Harrisburg vs. National Average
| Category | Harrisburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $819 | $1,050 | -$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.7 | 100 | -11.299999999999997 |
Harrisburg's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Harrisburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,568 students
Harrisburg has a total population of 17,116, with approximately 2,568 college students (15.0% of the population). Harrisburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Harrisburg
$34,016
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Harrisburg earn a median starting salary of $34,016, which is -$984 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,676 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,878 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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