College Costs in Marion, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Marion, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$630
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Marion Overview
Population
49,509
Student Population
2,731 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
84.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Marion
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,628
Total After Financial Aid
$90,628
Annual Cost
$22,657
Annual After Aid
$22,657
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,029 |
| Total Interest | $32,860 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,488 |
Universities in Marion
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Marion State University | Public | $9,614 |
| Marion Community College | Community | $5,684 |
Marion has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Marion vs. National Average
| Category | Marion | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $630 | $1,050 | -$420 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.3 | 100 | -15.700000000000003 |
Marion'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 Marion
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,731 students
Marion has a total population of 49,509, with approximately 2,731 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Marion offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Marion
$39,862
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~19 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Marion earn a median starting salary of $39,862, which is $4,862 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 19 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,363 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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