College Costs in Shaler, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Shaler, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$756
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Shaler Overview
Population
28,757
Student Population
1,828 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
90.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Shaler
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,332
Total After Financial Aid
$115,332
Annual Cost
$28,833
Annual After Aid
$28,833
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,332 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,310 |
| Total Interest | $41,817 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,149 |
Universities in Shaler
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shaler State University | Public | $15,765 |
| Shaler Community College | Community | $5,076 |
Shaler has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Shaler vs. National Average
| Category | Shaler | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $756 | $1,050 | -$294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.6 | 100 | -9.400000000000006 |
Shaler'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 Shaler
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,828 students
Shaler has a total population of 28,757, with approximately 1,828 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Shaler offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shaler
$30,096
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shaler earn a median starting salary of $30,096, which is -$4,904 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,332 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,518 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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