College Costs in Portsmouth, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Portsmouth, 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
$1,095
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Portsmouth Overview
Population
17,389
Student Population
2,146 (12.3%)
Cost of Living Index
103.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Portsmouth
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,140
Total After Financial Aid
$113,140
Annual Cost
$28,285
Annual After Aid
$28,285
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,140 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,285 |
| Total Interest | $41,022 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,162 |
Universities in Portsmouth
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth State University | Public | $13,841 |
| Portsmouth Community College | Community | $5,344 |
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) | $14,800 | $10,940 | +$3,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,095 | $1,050 | +$45 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.3 | 100 | +3.299999999999997 |
Portsmouth's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Portsmouth
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,146 students
Portsmouth has a total population of 17,389, with approximately 2,146 college students (12.3% of the population). Portsmouth has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portsmouth
$38,645
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~31 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portsmouth earn a median starting salary of $38,645, which is $3,645 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,140 (including room and board), it would take approximately 31 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,774 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Rhode Island
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
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