College Costs in Lakewood, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lakewood, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$537
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lakewood Overview
Population
50,942
Student Population
3,885 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
82.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Lakewood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,740
Total After Financial Aid
$93,740
Annual Cost
$23,435
Annual After Aid
$23,435
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,740 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,064 |
| Total Interest | $33,988 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,728 |
Universities in Lakewood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood State University | Public | $11,403 |
| Lakewood Community College | Community | $5,428 |
Lakewood has 3 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) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $537 | $1,050 | -$513 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.1 | 100 | -17.900000000000006 |
Lakewood's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Lakewood
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,885 students
Lakewood has a total population of 50,942, with approximately 3,885 college students (7.6% 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
$31,389
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lakewood earn a median starting salary of $31,389, which is -$3,611 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,740 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,528 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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