College Costs in Saco, ME 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Saco, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Saco Overview
Population
20,381
Student Population
1,905 (9.3%)
Cost of Living Index
110.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Saco
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,680
Total After Financial Aid
$103,680
Annual Cost
$25,920
Annual After Aid
$25,920
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,680 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,177 |
| Total Interest | $37,592 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,272 |
Universities in Saco
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Saco State University | Public | $13,202 |
| Saco Community College | Community | $5,301 |
Saco has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Saco vs. National Average
| Category | Saco | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.2 | 100 | +10.200000000000003 |
Saco'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 Saco
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,905 students
Saco has a total population of 20,381, with approximately 1,905 college students (9.3% of the population). Saco has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Saco
$36,389
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~75 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Saco earn a median starting salary of $36,389, which is $1,389 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,680 (including room and board), it would take approximately 75 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,352 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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