College Costs in Manchester, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Manchester, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,098
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Manchester Overview
Population
58,241
Student Population
3,155 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
118.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Manchester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,408
Total After Financial Aid
$121,408
Annual Cost
$30,352
Annual After Aid
$30,352
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,379 |
| Total Interest | $44,020 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,428 |
Universities in Manchester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester State University | Public | $15,218 |
| Manchester Community College | Community | $5,456 |
Manchester has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Manchester vs. National Average
| Category | Manchester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,098 | $1,050 | +$48 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118.1 | 100 | +18.099999999999994 |
Manchester'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 Manchester
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,155 students
Manchester has a total population of 58,241, with approximately 3,155 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Manchester offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Manchester
$46,786
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Manchester earn a median starting salary of $46,786, which is $11,786 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,488 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities