College Costs in Lima, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lima, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lima Overview
Population
22,755
Student Population
2,920 (12.8%)
Cost of Living Index
109.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Lima
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,328
Total After Financial Aid
$100,328
Annual Cost
$25,082
Annual After Aid
$25,082
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,328 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,139 |
| Total Interest | $36,376 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,704 |
Universities in Lima
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lima State University | Public | $9,379 |
| Lima Community College | Community | $5,338 |
Lima has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lima vs. National Average
| Category | Lima | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.6 | 100 | +9.599999999999994 |
Lima'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 Lima
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,920 students
Lima has a total population of 22,755, with approximately 2,920 college students (12.8% of the population). Lima has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lima
$41,203
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lima earn a median starting salary of $41,203, which is $6,203 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,328 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,099 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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