College Costs in Rocky Mount, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$798
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Rocky Mount Overview
Population
54,147
Student Population
4,592 (8.5%)
Cost of Living Index
89.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Rocky Mount
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,132
Total After Financial Aid
$89,132
Annual Cost
$22,283
Annual After Aid
$22,283
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,132 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,012 |
| Total Interest | $32,317 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,449 |
Universities in Rocky Mount
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mount State University | Public | $9,608 |
| Rocky Mount Community College | Community | $4,992 |
Rocky Mount has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rocky Mount vs. National Average
| Category | Rocky Mount | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $798 | $1,050 | -$252 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.5 | 100 | -10.5 |
Rocky Mount'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 Rocky Mount
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,592 students
Rocky Mount has a total population of 54,147, with approximately 4,592 college students (8.5% of the population). Rocky Mount has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rocky Mount
$36,208
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~74 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rocky Mount earn a median starting salary of $36,208, which is $1,208 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,132 (including room and board), it would take approximately 74 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,734 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
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
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
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