College Costs in Portsmouth, NH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$18,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,560
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Portsmouth Overview
Population
22,158
Student Population
1,748 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
125.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
College Cost Calculator for Portsmouth
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$139,416
Total After Financial Aid
$139,416
Annual Cost
$34,854
Annual After Aid
$34,854
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $139,416 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,583 |
| Total Interest | $50,549 |
| Total Loan Cost | $189,965 |
Universities in Portsmouth
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth State University | Public | $19,387 |
| Portsmouth Community College | Community | $5,688 |
Portsmouth has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth vs. National Average
| Category | Portsmouth | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $18,800 | $10,940 | +$7,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,560 | $1,050 | +$510 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125.5 | 100 | +25.5 |
Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,748 students
Portsmouth has a total population of 22,158, with approximately 1,748 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Portsmouth offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portsmouth
$44,715
Starting Salary
1.6%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portsmouth earn a median starting salary of $44,715, which is $9,715 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $139,416 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,309 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Manchester
12 colleges · Avg tuition $15,843
Nashua
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,877
Concord
3 colleges · Avg tuition $22,560
Keene
3 colleges · Avg tuition $13,468
Hanover
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,049
Derry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Dover
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Rochester
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Salem
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Londonderry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Merrimack
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Hudson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities