College Costs in Morganton, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Morganton, 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
$786
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Morganton Overview
Population
17,080
Student Population
2,486 (14.6%)
Cost of Living Index
96.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Morganton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,772
Total After Financial Aid
$95,772
Annual Cost
$23,943
Annual After Aid
$23,943
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,772 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,087 |
| Total Interest | $34,725 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,497 |
Universities in Morganton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Morganton State University | Public | $9,843 |
| Morganton Community College | Community | $5,525 |
Morganton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Morganton vs. National Average
| Category | Morganton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $786 | $1,050 | -$264 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.4 | 100 | -3.5999999999999943 |
Morganton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Morganton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,486 students
Morganton has a total population of 17,080, with approximately 2,486 college students (14.6% of the population). Morganton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Morganton
$35,844
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~113 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Morganton earn a median starting salary of $35,844, which is $844 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,772 (including room and board), it would take approximately 113 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,656 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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