College Cost Planning in Ithaca, NY 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Ithaca, New York. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Ithaca as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,081
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$55,423
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,109
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Ithaca Overview
Population
32,108
Student Population
10,082 (31.4%)
Cost of Living Index
115 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Ithaca
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,776
Total After Financial Aid
$116,776
Annual Cost
$29,194
Annual After Aid
$29,194
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,776 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,326 |
| Total Interest | $42,340 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,116 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Ithaca
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$11,081
Private tuition
$55,423
Community college
$5,504
Cost of Living in Ithaca vs. National Average
| Category | Ithaca | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,081 | $10,940 | +$141 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,109 | $1,050 | +$59 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 100 | +15 |
Ithaca'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 Ithaca
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,082 students
Ithaca has a total population of 32,108, with approximately 10,082 college students (31.4% of the population). As a major college town, Ithaca offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ithaca
$59,715
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~4.7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ithaca earn a median starting salary of $59,715, which is $24,715 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.7 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $16,791 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in New York
New York City
49 colleges · Avg tuition $7,340
Buffalo
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,099
Rochester
13 colleges · Avg tuition $13,886
Syracuse
10 colleges · Avg tuition $14,304
New Rochelle
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,523
Poughkeepsie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,871
Saratoga Springs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,257
Plattsburgh
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,480
Geneseo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,680
Potsdam
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,360
New York
279 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Oyster Bay
11 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Ithaca
How we compile Ithaca college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Ithaca institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Ithaca's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Ithaca, NY?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Ithaca is $11,081. Private university tuition averages $55,423, and community college tuition averages $5,504. When room and board ($18,113/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $29,194.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 10,082, which represents 31.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Ithaca?
The average rent near college campuses in Ithaca is approximately $1,109 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 115 (national average is 100), a walk score of 59, and a public transit score of 27. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Ithaca?
College graduates in Ithaca earn a median starting salary of $59,715. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%. With an average financial aid package of $16,791 per student and a 69% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Ithaca, NY?
With a median starting salary of $59,715 and an average 4-year public university cost of $116,776 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.7 years. The 69% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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