College Costs in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lake Ronkonkoma Overview
Population
19,063
Student Population
2,692 (14.1%)
Cost of Living Index
101.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lake Ronkonkoma
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,248
Total After Financial Aid
$94,248
Annual Cost
$23,562
Annual After Aid
$23,562
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,070 |
| Total Interest | $34,172 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,420 |
Universities in Lake Ronkonkoma
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ronkonkoma State University | Public | $10,753 |
| Lake Ronkonkoma Community College | Community | $5,814 |
Lake Ronkonkoma has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lake Ronkonkoma vs. National Average
| Category | Lake Ronkonkoma | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.6 | 100 | +1.5999999999999943 |
Lake Ronkonkoma's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Lake Ronkonkoma
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,692 students
Lake Ronkonkoma has a total population of 19,063, with approximately 2,692 college students (14.1% of the population). Lake Ronkonkoma has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake Ronkonkoma
$46,103
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake Ronkonkoma earn a median starting salary of $46,103, which is $11,103 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,371 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Lake Ronkonkoma
How we compile Lake Ronkonkoma 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 Lake Ronkonkoma 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: Lake Ronkonkoma'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
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