College Costs in Medford, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Medford, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,947
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Medford Overview
Population
59,415
Student Population
4,238 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
128.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Medford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,432
Total After Financial Aid
$127,432
Annual Cost
$31,858
Annual After Aid
$31,858
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,432 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,447 |
| Total Interest | $46,204 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,636 |
Universities in Medford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Medford State University | Public | $15,196 |
| Medford Community College | Community | $6,261 |
Medford has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Medford vs. National Average
| Category | Medford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,947 | $1,050 | +$897 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128.4 | 100 | +28.400000000000006 |
Medford'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 Medford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,238 students
Medford has a total population of 59,415, with approximately 4,238 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Medford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Medford
$49,361
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Medford earn a median starting salary of $49,361, which is $14,361 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,432 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,414 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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