College Costs in Niagara Falls, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Niagara Falls, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,185
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Niagara Falls Overview
Population
48,671
Student Population
3,189 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
134.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Niagara Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,472
Total After Financial Aid
$100,472
Annual Cost
$25,118
Annual After Aid
$25,118
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,472 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,141 |
| Total Interest | $36,429 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,901 |
Universities in Niagara Falls
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls State University | Public | $9,754 |
| Niagara Falls Community College | Community | $6,537 |
Niagara Falls has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Niagara Falls vs. National Average
| Category | Niagara Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,185 | $1,050 | +$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134.2 | 100 | +34.19999999999999 |
Niagara Falls'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 Niagara Falls
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,189 students
Niagara Falls has a total population of 48,671, with approximately 3,189 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Niagara Falls offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Niagara Falls
$47,981
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Niagara Falls earn a median starting salary of $47,981, which is $12,981 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,472 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,472 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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