College Costs in Stamford, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Stamford, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$17,226
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$66,690
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,612
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Stamford Overview
Population
135,470
Student Population
9,378 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
141 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Stamford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$142,468
Total After Financial Aid
$142,468
Annual Cost
$35,617
Annual After Aid
$35,617
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $142,468 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,618 |
| Total Interest | $51,655 |
| Total Loan Cost | $194,123 |
Universities in Stamford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut Stamford | Public | $17,226 |
| Norwalk Community College | Community | $4,920 |
Stamford has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stamford vs. National Average
| Category | Stamford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $17,226 | $10,940 | +$6,286 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,612 | $1,050 | +$562 |
| Cost of Living Index | 141 | 100 | +41 |
Stamford'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 Stamford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,378 students
Stamford has a total population of 135,470, with approximately 9,378 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Stamford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stamford
$60,912
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stamford earn a median starting salary of $60,912, which is $25,912 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $142,468 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,176 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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