College Costs in Meriden, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Meriden, 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
$1,059
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Meriden Overview
Population
60,850
Student Population
4,134 (6.8%)
Cost of Living Index
110.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Meriden
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,180
Total After Financial Aid
$115,180
Annual Cost
$28,795
Annual After Aid
$28,795
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,180 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,308 |
| Total Interest | $41,761 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,941 |
Universities in Meriden
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Meriden State University | Public | $14,368 |
| Meriden Community College | Community | $5,965 |
Meriden has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Meriden vs. National Average
| Category | Meriden | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,059 | $1,050 | +$9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.5 | 100 | +10.5 |
Meriden'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 Meriden
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,134 students
Meriden has a total population of 60,850, with approximately 4,134 college students (6.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Meriden offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Meriden
$49,312
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Meriden earn a median starting salary of $49,312, which is $14,312 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,180 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,856 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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