College Costs in Plainfield, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Plainfield, 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
$1,536
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Plainfield Overview
Population
54,586
Student Population
2,925 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
125.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Plainfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,256
Total After Financial Aid
$127,256
Annual Cost
$31,814
Annual After Aid
$31,814
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,256 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,445 |
| Total Interest | $46,140 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,396 |
Universities in Plainfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Plainfield State University | Public | $14,725 |
| Plainfield Community College | Community | $5,893 |
Plainfield has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Plainfield vs. National Average
| Category | Plainfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,536 | $1,050 | +$486 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.6 | 100 | +25.599999999999994 |
Plainfield'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 Plainfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,925 students
Plainfield has a total population of 54,586, with approximately 2,925 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Plainfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Plainfield
$57,622
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Plainfield earn a median starting salary of $57,622, which is $22,622 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,256 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,014 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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