College Costs in Suffolk, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Suffolk, 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
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Suffolk Overview
Population
94,324
Student Population
5,142 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
96.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Suffolk
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,584
Total After Financial Aid
$108,584
Annual Cost
$27,146
Annual After Aid
$27,146
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,584 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,233 |
| Total Interest | $39,370 |
| Total Loan Cost | $147,954 |
Universities in Suffolk
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk State University | Public | $15,175 |
| Suffolk Community College | Community | $5,597 |
Suffolk has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Suffolk vs. National Average
| Category | Suffolk | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.8 | 100 | -3.200000000000003 |
Suffolk's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Suffolk
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,142 students
Suffolk has a total population of 94,324, with approximately 5,142 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Suffolk offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Suffolk
$41,614
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Suffolk earn a median starting salary of $41,614, which is $6,614 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,584 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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