College Costs in Norristown, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$645
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Norristown Overview
Population
34,324
Student Population
1,723 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
97.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Norristown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,860
Total After Financial Aid
$120,860
Annual Cost
$30,215
Annual After Aid
$30,215
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,372 |
| Total Interest | $43,821 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,681 |
Universities in Norristown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Norristown State University | Public | $15,746 |
| Norristown Community College | Community | $5,692 |
Norristown has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Norristown vs. National Average
| Category | Norristown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $645 | $1,050 | -$405 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.3 | 100 | -2.700000000000003 |
Norristown's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Norristown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,723 students
Norristown has a total population of 34,324, with approximately 1,723 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Norristown offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Norristown
$39,282
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~28 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Norristown earn a median starting salary of $39,282, which is $4,282 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 28 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,277 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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