College Costs in Pawtucket, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$825
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Pawtucket Overview
Population
75,604
Student Population
4,257 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
100.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Pawtucket
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,560
Total After Financial Aid
$117,560
Annual Cost
$29,390
Annual After Aid
$29,390
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,560 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,335 |
| Total Interest | $42,624 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,184 |
Universities in Pawtucket
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket State University | Public | $13,775 |
| Pawtucket Community College | Community | $5,800 |
Pawtucket has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pawtucket vs. National Average
| Category | Pawtucket | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,800 | $10,940 | +$3,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $825 | $1,050 | -$225 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.5 | 100 | +0.5 |
Pawtucket's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Pawtucket
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,257 students
Pawtucket has a total population of 75,604, with approximately 4,257 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Pawtucket offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pawtucket
$23,644
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pawtucket earn a median starting salary of $23,644, which is -$11,356 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,560 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,174 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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