College Costs in Southern Pines, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$837
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Southern Pines Overview
Population
15,773
Student Population
1,992 (12.6%)
Cost of Living Index
90.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Southern Pines
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,060
Total After Financial Aid
$93,060
Annual Cost
$23,265
Annual After Aid
$23,265
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,060 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,057 |
| Total Interest | $33,741 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,801 |
Universities in Southern Pines
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Pines State University | Public | $8,283 |
| Southern Pines Community College | Community | $5,722 |
Southern Pines has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Southern Pines vs. National Average
| Category | Southern Pines | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $837 | $1,050 | -$213 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.2 | 100 | -9.799999999999997 |
Southern Pines'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 Southern Pines
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,992 students
Southern Pines has a total population of 15,773, with approximately 1,992 college students (12.6% of the population). Southern Pines has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Southern Pines
$39,445
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~21 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Southern Pines earn a median starting salary of $39,445, which is $4,445 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,060 (including room and board), it would take approximately 21 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,739 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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