College Costs in Kearny, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Kearny, 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
$1,350
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Kearny Overview
Population
42,670
Student Population
2,790 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
111.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Kearny
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,784
Total After Financial Aid
$119,784
Annual Cost
$29,946
Annual After Aid
$29,946
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,360 |
| Total Interest | $43,431 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,215 |
Universities in Kearny
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kearny State University | Public | $17,250 |
| Kearny Community College | Community | $5,822 |
Kearny has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kearny vs. National Average
| Category | Kearny | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,350 | $1,050 | +$300 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.4 | 100 | +11.400000000000006 |
Kearny'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 Kearny
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,790 students
Kearny has a total population of 42,670, with approximately 2,790 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kearny offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kearny
$48,918
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kearny earn a median starting salary of $48,918, which is $13,918 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,734 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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