College Costs in Needham, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Needham, 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
$1,701
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Needham Overview
Population
31,388
Student Population
1,653 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
131.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Needham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$129,524
Total After Financial Aid
$129,524
Annual Cost
$32,381
Annual After Aid
$32,381
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $129,524 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,471 |
| Total Interest | $46,962 |
| Total Loan Cost | $176,486 |
Universities in Needham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Needham State University | Public | $15,314 |
| Needham Community College | Community | $5,930 |
Needham has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Needham vs. National Average
| Category | Needham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,701 | $1,050 | +$651 |
| Cost of Living Index | 131.7 | 100 | +31.69999999999999 |
Needham'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 Needham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,653 students
Needham has a total population of 31,388, with approximately 1,653 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Needham offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Needham
$45,302
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Needham earn a median starting salary of $45,302, which is $10,302 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $129,524 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,651 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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