College Cost Planning in Raleigh, NC 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Raleigh, North Carolina. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Raleigh as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,101
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,399
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,278
per month
Local Cost Market
21
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Raleigh
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
21
Public tuition
$9,101
Private tuition
$30,399
Community college
$2,864
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
~8.5 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 8.5 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $7,262 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
High Point
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Raleigh
How we compile Raleigh college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Raleigh institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Raleigh's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Raleigh, NC?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Raleigh is $9,101. Private university tuition averages $30,399, and community college tuition averages $2,864. When room and board ($10,389/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $19,490.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh uses approximately 21 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 113,809, which represents 24.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Raleigh?
The average rent near college campuses in Raleigh is approximately $1,278 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 83 (national average is 100), a walk score of 66, and a public transit score of 39. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Raleigh?
College graduates in Raleigh earn a median starting salary of $44,174. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%. With an average financial aid package of $7,262 per student and a 62% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Raleigh, NC?
With a median starting salary of $44,174 and an average 4-year public university cost of $77,960 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 8.5 years. The 62% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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