College Costs in La Plata, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in La Plata, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,335
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
La Plata Overview
Population
22,155
Student Population
2,255 (10.2%)
Cost of Living Index
111.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for La Plata
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,204
Total After Financial Aid
$101,204
Annual Cost
$25,301
Annual After Aid
$25,301
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,204 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,149 |
| Total Interest | $36,694 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,898 |
Universities in La Plata
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| La Plata State University | Public | $11,445 |
| La Plata Community College | Community | $5,701 |
La Plata has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in La Plata vs. National Average
| Category | La Plata | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,335 | $1,050 | +$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.2 | 100 | +11.200000000000003 |
La Plata'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 La Plata
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,255 students
La Plata has a total population of 22,155, with approximately 2,255 college students (10.2% of the population). La Plata has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in La Plata
$64,343
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in La Plata earn a median starting salary of $64,343, which is $29,343 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,204 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,466 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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