College Costs in Oak Ridge, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$825
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Oak Ridge Overview
Population
30,013
Student Population
3,257 (10.9%)
Cost of Living Index
92.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Oak Ridge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,480
Total After Financial Aid
$98,480
Annual Cost
$24,620
Annual After Aid
$24,620
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,480 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,118 |
| Total Interest | $35,706 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,186 |
Universities in Oak Ridge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Ridge State University | Public | $10,302 |
| Oak Ridge Community College | Community | $4,854 |
Oak Ridge has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Oak Ridge vs. National Average
| Category | Oak Ridge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $825 | $1,050 | -$225 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.2 | 100 | -7.799999999999997 |
Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,257 students
Oak Ridge has a total population of 30,013, with approximately 3,257 college students (10.9% of the population). Oak Ridge has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Oak Ridge
$29,358
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Oak Ridge earn a median starting salary of $29,358, which is -$5,642 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,480 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,387 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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