College Costs in Lorain, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lorain, 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
$627
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lorain Overview
Population
65,211
Student Population
3,747 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
85.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lorain
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,972
Total After Financial Aid
$94,972
Annual Cost
$23,743
Annual After Aid
$23,743
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,972 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,078 |
| Total Interest | $34,435 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,407 |
Universities in Lorain
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lorain State University | Public | $10,329 |
| Lorain Community College | Community | $4,973 |
Lorain has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lorain vs. National Average
| Category | Lorain | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $627 | $1,050 | -$423 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.2 | 100 | -14.799999999999997 |
Lorain'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 Lorain
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,747 students
Lorain has a total population of 65,211, with approximately 3,747 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lorain offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lorain
$39,309
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lorain earn a median starting salary of $39,309, which is $4,309 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,972 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,350 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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