College Costs in Hartford, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 10 colleges in Hartford, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,491
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,820
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,062
per month
Colleges & Universities
10
institutions
Hartford Overview
Population
121,054
Student Population
10,267 (8.5%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Hartford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,396
Total After Financial Aid
$127,396
Annual Cost
$31,849
Annual After Aid
$31,849
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,396 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,447 |
| Total Interest | $46,191 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,587 |
Universities in Hartford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | Private | $62,680 |
| University of Hartford | Private | $42,960 |
| Capital Community College | Community | $4,920 |
Hartford has 10 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hartford vs. National Average
| Category | Hartford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,491 | $10,940 | +$4,551 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,062 | $1,050 | +$12 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Hartford'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 Hartford
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,267 students
Hartford has a total population of 121,054, with approximately 10,267 college students (8.5% of the population). Hartford has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hartford
$67,413
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hartford earn a median starting salary of $67,413, which is $32,413 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,396 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,141 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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