College Costs in Park Ridge, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Park Ridge, 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
$1,275
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Park Ridge Overview
Population
18,994
Student Population
2,729 (14.4%)
Cost of Living Index
113.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Park Ridge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,344
Total After Financial Aid
$122,344
Annual Cost
$30,586
Annual After Aid
$30,586
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,344 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,389 |
| Total Interest | $44,359 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,703 |
Universities in Park Ridge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Park Ridge State University | Public | $17,188 |
| Park Ridge Community College | Community | $5,325 |
Park 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 Park Ridge vs. National Average
| Category | Park Ridge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,275 | $1,050 | +$225 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113.2 | 100 | +13.200000000000003 |
Park Ridge'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 Park Ridge
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,729 students
Park Ridge has a total population of 18,994, with approximately 2,729 college students (14.4% of the population). Park Ridge has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Park Ridge
$53,509
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Park Ridge earn a median starting salary of $53,509, which is $18,509 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,344 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,450 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Jersey
Newark
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,507
Jersey City
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,750
Paterson
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,620
Trenton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $16,841
Hoboken
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,836
New Brunswick
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,804
Princeton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $15,873
Elizabeth
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Edison
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Lakewood
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Woodbridge
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Toms River
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Park Ridge
How we compile Park Ridge 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Park Ridge institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Park Ridge's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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
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