College Costs in Stratford, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Stratford, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,032
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Stratford Overview
Population
52,355
Student Population
2,647 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
108.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Stratford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,312
Total After Financial Aid
$121,312
Annual Cost
$30,328
Annual After Aid
$30,328
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,312 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,377 |
| Total Interest | $43,985 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,297 |
Universities in Stratford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Stratford State University | Public | $14,619 |
| Stratford Community College | Community | $5,289 |
Stratford has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stratford vs. National Average
| Category | Stratford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,032 | $1,050 | -$18 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.6 | 100 | +8.599999999999994 |
Stratford'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 Stratford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,647 students
Stratford has a total population of 52,355, with approximately 2,647 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Stratford offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stratford
$46,930
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stratford earn a median starting salary of $46,930, which is $11,930 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,312 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,366 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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