College Costs in Harrisonburg, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,458
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,750
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$711
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Harrisonburg Overview
Population
53,016
Student Population
4,928 (9.3%)
Cost of Living Index
89 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Harrisonburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,976
Total After Financial Aid
$87,976
Annual Cost
$21,994
Annual After Aid
$21,994
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,976 |
| Monthly Payment | $999 |
| Total Interest | $31,898 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,874 |
Universities in Harrisonburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | Public | $12,458 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Private | $40,750 |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Community | $5,340 |
Harrisonburg has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Harrisonburg vs. National Average
| Category | Harrisonburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,458 | $10,940 | +$1,518 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $711 | $1,050 | -$339 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 100 | -11 |
Harrisonburg'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 Harrisonburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,928 students
Harrisonburg has a total population of 53,016, with approximately 4,928 college students (9.3% of the population). Harrisonburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Harrisonburg
$38,369
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~26 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Harrisonburg earn a median starting salary of $38,369, which is $3,369 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,976 (including room and board), it would take approximately 26 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,200 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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