College Costs in Lower Merion, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$675
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lower Merion Overview
Population
63,988
Student Population
4,841 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
91.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Lower Merion
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,836
Total After Financial Aid
$117,836
Annual Cost
$29,459
Annual After Aid
$29,459
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,836 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,338 |
| Total Interest | $42,724 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,560 |
Universities in Lower Merion
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Merion State University | Public | $14,253 |
| Lower Merion Community College | Community | $5,361 |
Lower Merion has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lower Merion vs. National Average
| Category | Lower Merion | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $675 | $1,050 | -$375 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.4 | 100 | -8.599999999999994 |
Lower Merion'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 Lower Merion
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,841 students
Lower Merion has a total population of 63,988, with approximately 4,841 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lower Merion offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lower Merion
$37,789
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
~42 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lower Merion earn a median starting salary of $37,789, which is $2,789 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,836 (including room and board), it would take approximately 42 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,525 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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