College Costs in Hillsborough, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hillsborough, 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
$690
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hillsborough Overview
Population
23,476
Student Population
1,932 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
93.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Hillsborough
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,512
Total After Financial Aid
$91,512
Annual Cost
$22,878
Annual After Aid
$22,878
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,512 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,039 |
| Total Interest | $33,180 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,692 |
Universities in Hillsborough
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough State University | Public | $9,964 |
| Hillsborough Community College | Community | $5,086 |
Hillsborough has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hillsborough vs. National Average
| Category | Hillsborough | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $690 | $1,050 | -$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.4 | 100 | -6.599999999999994 |
Hillsborough'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 Hillsborough
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,932 students
Hillsborough has a total population of 23,476, with approximately 1,932 college students (8.2% of the population). Hillsborough has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hillsborough
$36,383
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~66 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hillsborough earn a median starting salary of $36,383, which is $1,383 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,512 (including room and board), it would take approximately 66 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
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