College Costs in Jacksonville, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Jacksonville, 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
$630
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Jacksonville Overview
Population
74,221
Student Population
5,228 (7.0%)
Cost of Living Index
86.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Jacksonville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,920
Total After Financial Aid
$89,920
Annual Cost
$22,480
Annual After Aid
$22,480
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,920 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,021 |
| Total Interest | $32,603 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,523 |
Universities in Jacksonville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Public | $8,704 |
| Jacksonville Community College | Community | $5,652 |
Jacksonville has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Jacksonville vs. National Average
| Category | Jacksonville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $630 | $1,050 | -$420 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.2 | 100 | -13.799999999999997 |
Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,228 students
Jacksonville has a total population of 74,221, with approximately 5,228 college students (7.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Jacksonville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Jacksonville
$26,658
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Jacksonville earn a median starting salary of $26,658, which is -$8,342 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,920 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,093 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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