College Costs in Petersburg, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Petersburg, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,116
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Petersburg Overview
Population
32,420
Student Population
3,499 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
94.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Petersburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,968
Total After Financial Aid
$113,968
Annual Cost
$28,492
Annual After Aid
$28,492
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,968 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,294 |
| Total Interest | $41,322 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,290 |
Universities in Petersburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Petersburg State University | Public | $14,243 |
| Petersburg Community College | Community | $5,716 |
Petersburg has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Petersburg vs. National Average
| Category | Petersburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,116 | $1,050 | +$66 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.6 | 100 | -5.400000000000006 |
Petersburg'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 Petersburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,499 students
Petersburg has a total population of 32,420, with approximately 3,499 college students (10.8% of the population). Petersburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Petersburg
$52,793
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Petersburg earn a median starting salary of $52,793, which is $17,793 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,968 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,963 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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