College Costs in Raleigh, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 21 colleges in Raleigh, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,101
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,399
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,278
per month
Colleges & Universities
21
institutions
Raleigh Overview
Population
467,665
Student Population
113,809 (24.3%)
Cost of Living Index
83 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
66/100
Transit Score
39/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Raleigh
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$77,960
Total After Financial Aid
$77,960
Annual Cost
$19,490
Annual After Aid
$19,490
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $77,960 |
| Monthly Payment | $885 |
| Total Interest | $28,266 |
| Total Loan Cost | $106,226 |
Universities in Raleigh
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | Public | $9,101 |
| Meredith College | Private | $42,074 |
| Shaw University | Private | $18,724 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Raleigh has 21 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Raleigh vs. National Average
| Category | Raleigh | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,101 | $10,940 | -$1,839 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,278 | $1,050 | +$228 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17 |
Raleigh's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Raleigh
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
113,809 students
Raleigh has a total population of 467,665, with approximately 113,809 college students (24.3% of the population). As a major college town, Raleigh offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Raleigh
$44,174
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Raleigh earn a median starting salary of $44,174, which is $9,174 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $77,960 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,262 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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