College Costs in Trenton, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Trenton, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,841
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$62,757
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,365
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Trenton Overview
Population
90,871
Student Population
6,733 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
134 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Trenton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$148,748
Total After Financial Aid
$148,748
Annual Cost
$37,187
Annual After Aid
$37,187
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $148,748 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,689 |
| Total Interest | $53,932 |
| Total Loan Cost | $202,680 |
Universities in Trenton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey | Public | $16,841 |
| Mercer County Community College | Community | $5,040 |
Trenton has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Trenton vs. National Average
| Category | Trenton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,841 | $10,940 | +$5,901 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,365 | $1,050 | +$315 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 | +34 |
Trenton'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 Trenton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,733 students
Trenton has a total population of 90,871, with approximately 6,733 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Trenton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Trenton
$53,621
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Trenton earn a median starting salary of $53,621, which is $18,621 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $148,748 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,726 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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