College Costs in Laurel, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Laurel, 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
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Laurel Overview
Population
25,115
Student Population
1,726 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
107.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Laurel
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,448
Total After Financial Aid
$99,448
Annual Cost
$24,862
Annual After Aid
$24,862
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,448 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,129 |
| Total Interest | $36,057 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,505 |
Universities in Laurel
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel State University | Public | $11,735 |
| Laurel Community College | Community | $5,943 |
Laurel has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Laurel vs. National Average
| Category | Laurel | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107.8 | 100 | +7.799999999999997 |
Laurel'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 Laurel
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,726 students
Laurel has a total population of 25,115, with approximately 1,726 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Laurel offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Laurel
$48,433
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Laurel earn a median starting salary of $48,433, which is $13,433 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,448 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,944 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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