College Costs in Staunton, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Staunton, 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
$1,083
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Staunton Overview
Population
25,477
Student Population
2,711 (10.6%)
Cost of Living Index
103.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Staunton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,872
Total After Financial Aid
$113,872
Annual Cost
$28,468
Annual After Aid
$28,468
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,872 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,293 |
| Total Interest | $41,287 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,159 |
Universities in Staunton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Staunton State University | Public | $15,615 |
| Staunton Community College | Community | $6,054 |
Staunton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Staunton vs. National Average
| Category | Staunton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,083 | $1,050 | +$33 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.8 | 100 | +3.799999999999997 |
Staunton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Staunton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,711 students
Staunton has a total population of 25,477, with approximately 2,711 college students (10.6% of the population). Staunton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Staunton
$44,670
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Staunton earn a median starting salary of $44,670, which is $9,670 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,872 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,893 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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