College Cost Planning in Upper Darby, PA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Upper Darby 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$786
per month
Local Cost Market
4
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Upper Darby
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
4
Public tuition
$15,500
Private tuition
$42,000
Community college
$5,336
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
~12.3 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 12.3 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $12,595 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
42 colleges · Avg tuition $18,526
Pittsburgh
12 colleges · Avg tuition $19,718
Allentown
5 colleges · Avg tuition $17,315
Reading
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,201
Erie
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,346
Scranton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $13,080
Bethlehem
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,147
Harrisburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,601
State College
3 colleges · Avg tuition $19,286
Easton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,558
Carlisle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,374
Gettysburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,315
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Upper Darby
How we compile Upper Darby 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 Darby 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 Darby'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 Darby, PA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Upper Darby is $15,500. Private university tuition averages $42,000, and community college tuition averages $5,336. When room and board ($14,171/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $29,671.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Upper Darby, PA?
Upper Darby uses approximately 4 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 5,954, which represents 6.9% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Upper Darby?
The average rent near college campuses in Upper Darby is approximately $786 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 94.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 49, 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 Darby?
College graduates in Upper Darby earn a median starting salary of $44,636. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%. With an average financial aid package of $12,595 per student and a 70% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Upper Darby, PA?
With a median starting salary of $44,636 and an average 4-year public university cost of $118,684 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 12.3 years. The 70% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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