College Costs in Lakewood, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Lakewood, 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
$1,512
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Lakewood Overview
Population
106,300
Student Population
6,998 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
128.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Lakewood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,216
Total After Financial Aid
$128,216
Annual Cost
$32,054
Annual After Aid
$32,054
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,216 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,456 |
| Total Interest | $46,488 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,704 |
Universities in Lakewood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood State University | Public | $16,431 |
| University of Lakewood | Public | $14,890 |
| Lakewood Community College | Community | $6,002 |
Lakewood has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lakewood vs. National Average
| Category | Lakewood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,512 | $1,050 | +$462 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128.8 | 100 | +28.80000000000001 |
Lakewood'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 Lakewood
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,998 students
Lakewood has a total population of 106,300, with approximately 6,998 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lakewood offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lakewood
$62,851
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lakewood earn a median starting salary of $62,851, which is $27,851 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,216 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,816 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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