College Cost Planning in Lewistown, PA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Lewistown as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$660
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Lewistown Overview
Population
31,848
Student Population
3,359 (10.5%)
Cost of Living Index
95.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Lewistown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,184
Total After Financial Aid
$113,184
Annual Cost
$28,296
Annual After Aid
$28,296
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,184 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,285 |
| Total Interest | $41,038 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,222 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Lewistown
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$15,500
Private tuition
$42,000
Community college
$5,402
Cost of Living in Lewistown vs. National Average
| Category | Lewistown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.6 | 100 | -4.400000000000006 |
Lewistown's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Lewistown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,359 students
Lewistown has a total population of 31,848, with approximately 3,359 college students (10.5% of the population). Lewistown has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lewistown
$33,778
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lewistown earn a median starting salary of $33,778, which is $1,222 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $9,562 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Lewistown
How we compile Lewistown 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 Lewistown 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: Lewistown'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Lewistown, PA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Lewistown is $15,500. Private university tuition averages $42,000, and community college tuition averages $5,402. When room and board ($12,796/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $28,296.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Lewistown, PA?
Lewistown uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 3,359, which represents 10.5% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Lewistown?
The average rent near college campuses in Lewistown is approximately $660 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 95.6 (national average is 100), a walk score of 39, and a public transit score of 14. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Lewistown?
College graduates in Lewistown earn a median starting salary of $33,778. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%. With an average financial aid package of $9,562 per student and a 46% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Lewistown, PA?
With a median starting salary of $33,778 and an average 4-year public university cost of $113,184 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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