College Costs in Passaic, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Passaic, 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
$1,320
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Passaic Overview
Population
72,427
Student Population
5,618 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
128.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Passaic
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,252
Total After Financial Aid
$125,252
Annual Cost
$31,313
Annual After Aid
$31,313
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,252 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,422 |
| Total Interest | $45,413 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,665 |
Universities in Passaic
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Passaic State University | Public | $17,556 |
| Passaic Community College | Community | $5,832 |
Passaic has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Passaic vs. National Average
| Category | Passaic | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,320 | $1,050 | +$270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128.3 | 100 | +28.30000000000001 |
Passaic'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 Passaic
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,618 students
Passaic has a total population of 72,427, with approximately 5,618 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Passaic offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Passaic
$52,816
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Passaic earn a median starting salary of $52,816, which is $17,816 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,252 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,755 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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