College Costs in New Bedford, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in New Bedford, 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
$915
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
New Bedford Overview
Population
101,079
Student Population
6,574 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
102.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for New Bedford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,940
Total After Financial Aid
$122,940
Annual Cost
$30,735
Annual After Aid
$30,735
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,940 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,396 |
| Total Interest | $44,575 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,515 |
Universities in New Bedford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New Bedford State University | Public | $15,984 |
| University of New Bedford | Public | $18,237 |
| New Bedford Community College | Community | $5,720 |
New Bedford has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in New Bedford vs. National Average
| Category | New Bedford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $915 | $1,050 | -$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.5 | 100 | +2.5 |
New Bedford's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in New Bedford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,574 students
New Bedford has a total population of 101,079, with approximately 6,574 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, New Bedford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in New Bedford
$28,765
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in New Bedford earn a median starting salary of $28,765, which is -$6,235 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,940 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,843 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
Lynn
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