College Costs in Stafford, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Stafford, 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
$921
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Stafford Overview
Population
45,000
Student Population
2,564 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
106.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Stafford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,500
Total After Financial Aid
$116,500
Annual Cost
$29,125
Annual After Aid
$29,125
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,323 |
| Total Interest | $42,240 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,740 |
Universities in Stafford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Stafford State University | Public | $14,898 |
| Stafford Community College | Community | $6,037 |
Stafford has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stafford vs. National Average
| Category | Stafford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $921 | $1,050 | -$129 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106.5 | 100 | +6.5 |
Stafford'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 Stafford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,564 students
Stafford has a total population of 45,000, with approximately 2,564 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Stafford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stafford
$49,839
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stafford earn a median starting salary of $49,839, which is $14,839 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,500 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,506 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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