College Costs in New Bern, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in New Bern, 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
$867
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
New Bern Overview
Population
30,242
Student Population
1,691 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
94.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for New Bern
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,108
Total After Financial Aid
$91,108
Annual Cost
$22,777
Annual After Aid
$22,777
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,108 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,035 |
| Total Interest | $33,034 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,142 |
Universities in New Bern
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New Bern State University | Public | $9,048 |
| New Bern Community College | Community | $4,950 |
New Bern has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in New Bern vs. National Average
| Category | New Bern | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $867 | $1,050 | -$183 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.9 | 100 | -5.099999999999994 |
New Bern's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in New Bern
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,691 students
New Bern has a total population of 30,242, with approximately 1,691 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, New Bern offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in New Bern
$41,805
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in New Bern earn a median starting salary of $41,805, which is $6,805 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,108 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,795 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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