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College Cost Planning in Oak Bluffs, MA 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Oak Bluffs as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$16,100

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$48,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$1,395

per month

Local Cost Market

2

benchmark points

Oak Bluffs Overview

Population

18,256

Student Population

2,388 (13.1%)

Cost of Living Index

133 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

43/100

Transit Score

12/100

Unemployment Rate

3%

College Cost Calculator for Oak Bluffs

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$126,904

Total After Financial Aid

$126,904

Annual Cost

$31,726

Annual After Aid

$31,726

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$64,400
Room & Board$62,504

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$126,904
Monthly Payment$1,441
Total Interest$46,012
Total Loan Cost$172,916

Education Cost Benchmarks in Oak Bluffs

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

2

Public tuition

$16,100

Private tuition

$48,000

Community college

$6,510

Cost of Living in Oak Bluffs vs. National Average

CategoryOak BluffsNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$16,100$10,940+$5,160
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,395$1,050+$345
Cost of Living Index133100+33

Oak Bluffs'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 Oak Bluffs

43

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

12

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

13.1%

Student Population

2,388 students

Oak Bluffs has a total population of 18,256, with approximately 2,388 college students (13.1% of the population). Oak Bluffs has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Oak Bluffs

$51,588

Starting Salary

3%

Unemployment Rate

51%

Graduation Rate

~7.7 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Oak Bluffs earn a median starting salary of $51,588, which is $16,588 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 7.7 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,178 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Massachusetts

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Oak Bluffs

How we compile Oak Bluffs college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Oak Bluffs institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Oak Bluffs's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in Oak Bluffs, MA?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Oak Bluffs is $16,100. Private university tuition averages $48,000, and community college tuition averages $6,510. When room and board ($15,626/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $31,726.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Oak Bluffs, MA?

Oak Bluffs uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,388, which represents 13.1% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Oak Bluffs?

The average rent near college campuses in Oak Bluffs is approximately $1,395 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 133 (national average is 100), a walk score of 43, and a public transit score of 12. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Oak Bluffs?

College graduates in Oak Bluffs earn a median starting salary of $51,588. The local unemployment rate is 3%. With an average financial aid package of $9,178 per student and a 51% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Oak Bluffs, MA?

With a median starting salary of $51,588 and an average 4-year public university cost of $126,904 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 7.7 years. The 51% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

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