College Costs in Scranton, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,080
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,386
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,225
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Scranton Overview
Population
77,291
Student Population
4,764 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
College Cost Calculator for Scranton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,228
Total After Financial Aid
$121,228
Annual Cost
$30,307
Annual After Aid
$30,307
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,228 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,377 |
| Total Interest | $43,954 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,182 |
Universities in Scranton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Scranton | Private | $49,386 |
| Lackawanna College | Community | $5,070 |
Scranton has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Scranton vs. National Average
| Category | Scranton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,080 | $10,940 | +$2,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,225 | $1,050 | +$175 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
Scranton'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 Scranton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,764 students
Scranton has a total population of 77,291, with approximately 4,764 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Scranton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Scranton
$69,861
Starting Salary
6.4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Scranton earn a median starting salary of $69,861, which is $34,861 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,228 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,288 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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