College Costs in Somerville, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Somerville, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,250
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Somerville Overview
Population
81,045
Student Population
5,876 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
148.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Somerville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$131,168
Total After Financial Aid
$131,168
Annual Cost
$32,792
Annual After Aid
$32,792
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $131,168 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,489 |
| Total Interest | $47,558 |
| Total Loan Cost | $178,726 |
Universities in Somerville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Somerville State University | Public | $14,681 |
| Somerville Community College | Community | $6,508 |
Somerville has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Somerville vs. National Average
| Category | Somerville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,250 | $1,050 | +$1,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.5 | 100 | +48.5 |
Somerville'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 Somerville
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,876 students
Somerville has a total population of 81,045, with approximately 5,876 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Somerville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Somerville
$48,249
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Somerville earn a median starting salary of $48,249, which is $13,249 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $131,168 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,666 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Frequently Asked Questions
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