DegreeCalc

College Cost Planning in Scituate, RI 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Scituate, Rhode Island. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Scituate as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$14,800

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$42,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$915

per month

Local Cost Market

1

benchmark points

Scituate Overview

Population

10,782

Student Population

1,653 (15.3%)

Cost of Living Index

95.5 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

38/100

Transit Score

12/100

Unemployment Rate

3.5%

College Cost Calculator for Scituate

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$115,588

Total After Financial Aid

$115,588

Annual Cost

$28,897

Annual After Aid

$28,897

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$59,200
Room & Board$56,388

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$115,588
Monthly Payment$1,312
Total Interest$41,909
Total Loan Cost$157,497

Education Cost Benchmarks in Scituate

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

1

Public tuition

$14,800

Private tuition

$42,000

Community college

$5,489

Cost of Living in Scituate vs. National Average

CategoryScituateNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$14,800$10,940+$3,860
Monthly Rent Near Campus$915$1,050-$135
Cost of Living Index95.5100-4.5

Scituate's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in Scituate

38

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

12

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

15.3%

Student Population

1,653 students

Scituate has a total population of 10,782, with approximately 1,653 college students (15.3% of the population). As a major college town, Scituate offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Scituate

$38,171

Starting Salary

3.5%

Unemployment Rate

45%

Graduation Rate

~36.5 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Scituate earn a median starting salary of $38,171, which is $3,171 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 36.5 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,958 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Rhode Island

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Scituate

How we compile Scituate college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Scituate institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Scituate's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in Scituate, RI?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Scituate is $14,800. Private university tuition averages $42,000, and community college tuition averages $5,489. When room and board ($14,097/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $28,897.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Scituate, RI?

Scituate uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,653, which represents 15.3% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Scituate?

The average rent near college campuses in Scituate is approximately $915 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 95.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 38, and a public transit score of 12. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Scituate?

College graduates in Scituate earn a median starting salary of $38,171. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%. With an average financial aid package of $9,958 per student and a 45% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Scituate, RI?

With a median starting salary of $38,171 and an average 4-year public university cost of $115,588 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 36.5 years. The 45% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

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