College Costs in Johnston, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Johnston, Rhode Island. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,182
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Johnston Overview
Population
29,191
Student Population
1,728 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
97.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Johnston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,320
Total After Financial Aid
$116,320
Annual Cost
$29,080
Annual After Aid
$29,080
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,320 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,321 |
| Total Interest | $42,175 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,495 |
Universities in Johnston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston State University | Public | $14,646 |
| Johnston Community College | Community | $5,909 |
Johnston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Johnston vs. National Average
| Category | Johnston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,800 | $10,940 | +$3,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,182 | $1,050 | +$132 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.6 | 100 | -2.4000000000000057 |
Johnston's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Johnston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,728 students
Johnston has a total population of 29,191, with approximately 1,728 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Johnston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Johnston
$39,350
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~27 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Johnston earn a median starting salary of $39,350, which is $4,350 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,320 (including room and board), it would take approximately 27 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,958 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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