College Costs in Poughkeepsie, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Poughkeepsie, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,871
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$54,880
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,775
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Poughkeepsie Overview
Population
30,515
Student Population
2,801 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
136 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Poughkeepsie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,284
Total After Financial Aid
$127,284
Annual Cost
$31,821
Annual After Aid
$31,821
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,284 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,445 |
| Total Interest | $46,150 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,434 |
Universities in Poughkeepsie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Vassar College | Private | $63,840 |
| Marist College | Private | $45,920 |
| Dutchess Community College | Community | $5,504 |
Poughkeepsie has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Poughkeepsie vs. National Average
| Category | Poughkeepsie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,871 | $10,940 | +$931 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,775 | $1,050 | +$725 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136 | 100 | +36 |
Poughkeepsie'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 Poughkeepsie
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,801 students
Poughkeepsie has a total population of 30,515, with approximately 2,801 college students (9.2% of the population). Poughkeepsie has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Poughkeepsie
$55,886
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Poughkeepsie earn a median starting salary of $55,886, which is $20,886 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,284 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,764 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New York
New York City
49 colleges · Avg tuition $7,340
Buffalo
10 colleges · Avg tuition $10,099
Rochester
13 colleges · Avg tuition $13,886
Syracuse
10 colleges · Avg tuition $14,304
New Rochelle
5 colleges · Avg tuition $15,523
Ithaca
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,081
Saratoga Springs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,257
Plattsburgh
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,480
Geneseo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,680
Potsdam
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,360
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