College Costs in Ridgewood, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,269
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ridgewood Overview
Population
25,355
Student Population
2,973 (11.7%)
Cost of Living Index
110 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Ridgewood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,460
Total After Financial Aid
$122,460
Annual Cost
$30,615
Annual After Aid
$30,615
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,460 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,391 |
| Total Interest | $44,401 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,861 |
Universities in Ridgewood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgewood State University | Public | $16,669 |
| Ridgewood Community College | Community | $5,219 |
Ridgewood has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ridgewood vs. National Average
| Category | Ridgewood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,269 | $1,050 | +$219 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 100 | +10 |
Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,973 students
Ridgewood has a total population of 25,355, with approximately 2,973 college students (11.7% of the population). Ridgewood has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ridgewood
$48,187
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ridgewood earn a median starting salary of $48,187, which is $13,187 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,460 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,026 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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