College Costs in Salisbury, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Salisbury, 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
$840
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Salisbury Overview
Population
33,663
Student Population
3,331 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
91 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Salisbury
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,048
Total After Financial Aid
$89,048
Annual Cost
$22,262
Annual After Aid
$22,262
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,048 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,011 |
| Total Interest | $32,287 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,335 |
Universities in Salisbury
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Salisbury State University | Public | $9,472 |
| Salisbury Community College | Community | $5,137 |
Salisbury has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Salisbury vs. National Average
| Category | Salisbury | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $840 | $1,050 | -$210 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 | -9 |
Salisbury'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 Salisbury
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,331 students
Salisbury has a total population of 33,663, with approximately 3,331 college students (9.9% of the population). Salisbury has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Salisbury
$28,485
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Salisbury earn a median starting salary of $28,485, which is -$6,515 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,048 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,336 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
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21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
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17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
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25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
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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
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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