College Costs in Lewiston, ME 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lewiston, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$17,128
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,210
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,617
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lewiston Overview
Population
36,592
Student Population
1,270 (3.5%)
Cost of Living Index
112 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Lewiston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,476
Total After Financial Aid
$126,476
Annual Cost
$31,619
Annual After Aid
$31,619
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,476 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,436 |
| Total Interest | $45,857 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,333 |
Universities in Lewiston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bates College | Private | $60,210 |
| Central Maine Community College | Community | $4,470 |
Lewiston has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lewiston vs. National Average
| Category | Lewiston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $17,128 | $10,940 | +$6,188 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,617 | $1,050 | +$567 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 100 | +12 |
Lewiston'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 Lewiston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,270 students
Lewiston has a total population of 36,592, with approximately 1,270 college students (3.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lewiston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lewiston
$60,034
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lewiston earn a median starting salary of $60,034, which is $25,034 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,476 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,125 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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