College Costs in South Riding, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in South Riding, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$990
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
South Riding Overview
Population
32,927
Student Population
2,117 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
95.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for South Riding
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,056
Total After Financial Aid
$112,056
Annual Cost
$28,014
Annual After Aid
$28,014
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,056 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,272 |
| Total Interest | $40,629 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,685 |
Universities in South Riding
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Riding State University | Public | $14,570 |
| South Riding Community College | Community | $5,714 |
South Riding has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South Riding vs. National Average
| Category | South Riding | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $990 | $1,050 | -$60 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.8 | 100 | -4.200000000000003 |
South Riding's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in South Riding
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,117 students
South Riding has a total population of 32,927, with approximately 2,117 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, South Riding offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South Riding
$40,843
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~19 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South Riding earn a median starting salary of $40,843, which is $5,843 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,056 (including room and board), it would take approximately 19 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,936 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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