College Costs in Silver Spring, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Silver Spring, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,395
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Silver Spring Overview
Population
81,015
Student Population
4,640 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
122.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Silver Spring
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,060
Total After Financial Aid
$100,060
Annual Cost
$25,015
Annual After Aid
$25,015
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,060 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,136 |
| Total Interest | $36,279 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,339 |
Universities in Silver Spring
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring State University | Public | $10,864 |
| Silver Spring Community College | Community | $5,576 |
Silver Spring has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Silver Spring vs. National Average
| Category | Silver Spring | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,395 | $1,050 | +$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.5 | 100 | +22.5 |
Silver Spring'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 Silver Spring
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,640 students
Silver Spring has a total population of 81,015, with approximately 4,640 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Silver Spring offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Silver Spring
$43,967
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Silver Spring earn a median starting salary of $43,967, which is $8,967 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,060 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,816 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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