College Costs in Rock Hill, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$705
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Rock Hill Overview
Population
74,410
Student Population
3,740 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
90.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Rock Hill
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,376
Total After Financial Aid
$102,376
Annual Cost
$25,594
Annual After Aid
$25,594
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,162 |
| Total Interest | $37,119 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,495 |
Universities in Rock Hill
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill State University | Public | $13,213 |
| Rock Hill Community College | Community | $5,443 |
Rock Hill has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rock Hill vs. National Average
| Category | Rock Hill | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $705 | $1,050 | -$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.8 | 100 | -9.200000000000003 |
Rock Hill'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 Rock Hill
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,740 students
Rock Hill has a total population of 74,410, with approximately 3,740 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rock Hill offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rock Hill
$32,148
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rock Hill earn a median starting salary of $32,148, which is -$2,852 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,907 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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