College Costs in Spring Lake, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Spring Lake, 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
$1,050
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Spring Lake Overview
Population
18,956
Student Population
2,295 (12.1%)
Cost of Living Index
103.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Spring Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,548
Total After Financial Aid
$91,548
Annual Cost
$22,887
Annual After Aid
$22,887
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,548 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,040 |
| Total Interest | $33,193 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,741 |
Universities in Spring Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Lake State University | Public | $8,801 |
| Spring Lake Community College | Community | $5,736 |
Spring Lake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Spring Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Spring Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,050 | $1,050 | $0 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.3 | 100 | +3.299999999999997 |
Spring Lake's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Spring Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,295 students
Spring Lake has a total population of 18,956, with approximately 2,295 college students (12.1% of the population). Spring Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Spring Lake
$22,403
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Spring Lake earn a median starting salary of $22,403, which is -$12,597 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,548 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,635 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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Spring Lake
How we compile Spring Lake college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Spring Lake institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Spring Lake's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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