College Costs in North Plainfield, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,344
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
North Plainfield Overview
Population
22,188
Student Population
2,498 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
125.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for North Plainfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,532
Total After Financial Aid
$124,532
Annual Cost
$31,133
Annual After Aid
$31,133
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,532 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,414 |
| Total Interest | $45,152 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,684 |
Universities in North Plainfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| North Plainfield State University | Public | $15,591 |
| North Plainfield Community College | Community | $6,491 |
North Plainfield has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in North Plainfield vs. National Average
| Category | North Plainfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,344 | $1,050 | +$294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.6 | 100 | +25.599999999999994 |
North Plainfield'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 North Plainfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,498 students
North Plainfield has a total population of 22,188, with approximately 2,498 college students (11.3% of the population). North Plainfield has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in North Plainfield
$49,461
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in North Plainfield earn a median starting salary of $49,461, which is $14,461 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,532 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,595 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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