College Costs in McCandless, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in McCandless, 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
$657
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
McCandless Overview
Population
28,457
Student Population
1,759 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
95.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for McCandless
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,496
Total After Financial Aid
$120,496
Annual Cost
$30,124
Annual After Aid
$30,124
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,496 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,368 |
| Total Interest | $43,689 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,185 |
Universities in McCandless
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McCandless State University | Public | $14,719 |
| McCandless Community College | Community | $5,864 |
McCandless has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McCandless vs. National Average
| Category | McCandless | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $657 | $1,050 | -$393 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.1 | 100 | -4.900000000000006 |
McCandless's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in McCandless
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,759 students
McCandless has a total population of 28,457, with approximately 1,759 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, McCandless offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McCandless
$37,661
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~45 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McCandless earn a median starting salary of $37,661, which is $2,661 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,496 (including room and board), it would take approximately 45 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,994 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
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