College Costs in Hillsborough, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,266
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hillsborough Overview
Population
40,903
Student Population
3,972 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
122.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Hillsborough
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,416
Total After Financial Aid
$123,416
Annual Cost
$30,854
Annual After Aid
$30,854
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,416 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,401 |
| Total Interest | $44,748 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,164 |
Universities in Hillsborough
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough State University | Public | $17,685 |
| Hillsborough Community College | Community | $6,272 |
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) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,266 | $1,050 | +$216 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.4 | 100 | +22.400000000000006 |
Hillsborough'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 Hillsborough
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,972 students
Hillsborough has a total population of 40,903, with approximately 3,972 college students (9.7% 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
$45,425
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hillsborough earn a median starting salary of $45,425, which is $10,425 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,416 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,146 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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