College Costs in Piscataway, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Piscataway, 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
$1,410
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Piscataway Overview
Population
58,501
Student Population
4,368 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
126.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Piscataway
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$129,920
Total After Financial Aid
$129,920
Annual Cost
$32,480
Annual After Aid
$32,480
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $129,920 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,475 |
| Total Interest | $47,106 |
| Total Loan Cost | $177,026 |
Universities in Piscataway
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Piscataway State University | Public | $17,032 |
| Piscataway Community College | Community | $5,558 |
Piscataway has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Piscataway vs. National Average
| Category | Piscataway | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,410 | $1,050 | +$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126.3 | 100 | +26.299999999999997 |
Piscataway'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 Piscataway
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,368 students
Piscataway has a total population of 58,501, with approximately 4,368 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Piscataway offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Piscataway
$53,383
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Piscataway earn a median starting salary of $53,383, which is $18,383 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $129,920 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,026 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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