College Costs in Harrisburg, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,601
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$27,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,755
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Harrisburg Overview
Population
50,099
Student Population
5,185 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
127 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Harrisburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$133,488
Total After Financial Aid
$133,488
Annual Cost
$33,372
Annual After Aid
$33,372
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $133,488 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,516 |
| Total Interest | $48,400 |
| Total Loan Cost | $181,888 |
Universities in Harrisburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg University | Private | $27,000 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Community | $5,070 |
Harrisburg has 6 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) | $16,601 | $10,940 | +$5,661 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,755 | $1,050 | +$705 |
| Cost of Living Index | 127 | 100 | +27 |
Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,185 students
Harrisburg has a total population of 50,099, with approximately 5,185 college students (10.3% 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
$61,267
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Harrisburg earn a median starting salary of $61,267, which is $26,267 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $133,488 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,169 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
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12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Villanova
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,670
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