College Costs in Union City, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Union City, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,365
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Union City Overview
Population
69,781
Student Population
3,879 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
117.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Union City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,424
Total After Financial Aid
$125,424
Annual Cost
$31,356
Annual After Aid
$31,356
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,424 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,424 |
| Total Interest | $45,476 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,900 |
Universities in Union City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Union City State University | Public | $17,270 |
| Union City Community College | Community | $6,143 |
Union City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Union City vs. National Average
| Category | Union City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,365 | $1,050 | +$315 |
| Cost of Living Index | 117.2 | 100 | +17.200000000000003 |
Union City'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 Union City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,879 students
Union City has a total population of 69,781, with approximately 3,879 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Union City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Union City
$61,381
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Union City earn a median starting salary of $61,381, which is $26,381 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,424 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,491 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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