College Costs in Matthews, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Matthews, 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
$789
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Matthews Overview
Population
32,678
Student Population
3,314 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
87 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Matthews
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,784
Total After Financial Aid
$90,784
Annual Cost
$22,696
Annual After Aid
$22,696
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,031 |
| Total Interest | $32,916 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,700 |
Universities in Matthews
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Matthews State University | Public | $9,720 |
| Matthews Community College | Community | $5,185 |
Matthews has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Matthews vs. National Average
| Category | Matthews | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $789 | $1,050 | -$261 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 100 | -13 |
Matthews'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 Matthews
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,314 students
Matthews has a total population of 32,678, with approximately 3,314 college students (10.1% of the population). Matthews has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Matthews
$36,608
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~56 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Matthews earn a median starting salary of $36,608, which is $1,608 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 56 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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