College Costs in Holly Ridge, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Holly Ridge, 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
$413
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Holly Ridge Overview
Population
49,566
Student Population
3,090 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
91.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Holly Ridge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,048
Total After Financial Aid
$89,048
Annual Cost
$22,262
Annual After Aid
$22,262
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,048 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,011 |
| Total Interest | $32,287 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,335 |
Universities in Holly Ridge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Ridge State University | Public | $9,911 |
| Holly Ridge Community College | Community | $5,426 |
Holly Ridge has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Holly Ridge vs. National Average
| Category | Holly Ridge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $413 | $1,050 | -$637 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.7 | 100 | -8.299999999999997 |
Holly Ridge'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 Holly Ridge
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,090 students
Holly Ridge has a total population of 49,566, with approximately 3,090 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Holly Ridge offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Holly Ridge
$27,925
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Holly Ridge earn a median starting salary of $27,925, which is -$7,075 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,048 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,854 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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