College Cost Planning in Upper Arlington, OH 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Upper Arlington, Ohio. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Upper Arlington as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$555
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Upper Arlington Overview
Population
35,366
Student Population
2,981 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
86.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Upper Arlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,308
Total After Financial Aid
$96,308
Annual Cost
$24,077
Annual After Aid
$24,077
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,308 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,094 |
| Total Interest | $34,919 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,227 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Upper Arlington
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
2
Public tuition
$11,000
Private tuition
$34,000
Community college
$5,298
Cost of Living in Upper Arlington vs. National Average
| Category | Upper Arlington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $555 | $1,050 | -$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.5 | 100 | -13.5 |
Upper Arlington's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Upper Arlington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,981 students
Upper Arlington has a total population of 35,366, with approximately 2,981 college students (8.4% of the population). Upper Arlington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Upper Arlington
$35,565
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~170.5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Upper Arlington earn a median starting salary of $35,565, which is $565 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 170.5 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $14,950 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Ohio
Columbus
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,936
Cleveland
20 colleges · Avg tuition $11,270
Cincinnati
28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Parma
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Upper Arlington
How we compile Upper Arlington college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Upper Arlington institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Upper Arlington's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Upper Arlington, OH?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Upper Arlington is $11,000. Private university tuition averages $34,000, and community college tuition averages $5,298. When room and board ($13,077/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $24,077.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Upper Arlington, OH?
Upper Arlington uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,981, which represents 8.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Upper Arlington?
The average rent near college campuses in Upper Arlington is approximately $555 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 86.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 47, and a public transit score of 19. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Upper Arlington?
College graduates in Upper Arlington earn a median starting salary of $35,565. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%. With an average financial aid package of $14,950 per student and a 47% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Upper Arlington, OH?
With a median starting salary of $35,565 and an average 4-year public university cost of $96,308 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 170.5 years. The 47% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities