College Costs in Upper Darby, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$786
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Upper Darby Overview
Population
85,681
Student Population
5,954 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
94.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Upper Darby
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,684
Total After Financial Aid
$118,684
Annual Cost
$29,671
Annual After Aid
$29,671
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,684 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,348 |
| Total Interest | $43,032 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,716 |
Universities in Upper Darby
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Darby State University | Public | $16,192 |
| Upper Darby Community College | Community | $5,336 |
Upper Darby has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Upper Darby vs. National Average
| Category | Upper Darby | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $786 | $1,050 | -$264 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5 |
Upper Darby'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 Darby
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,954 students
Upper Darby has a total population of 85,681, with approximately 5,954 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Upper Darby offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Upper Darby
$44,636
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Upper Darby earn a median starting salary of $44,636, which is $9,636 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,684 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,595 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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