College Costs in Wakefield, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,797
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wakefield Overview
Population
27,045
Student Population
2,104 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
126.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Wakefield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,508
Total After Financial Aid
$124,508
Annual Cost
$31,127
Annual After Aid
$31,127
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,508 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,414 |
| Total Interest | $45,144 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,652 |
Universities in Wakefield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wakefield State University | Public | $17,468 |
| Wakefield Community College | Community | $6,229 |
Wakefield has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wakefield vs. National Average
| Category | Wakefield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,797 | $1,050 | +$747 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126.4 | 100 | +26.400000000000006 |
Wakefield'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 Wakefield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,104 students
Wakefield has a total population of 27,045, with approximately 2,104 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wakefield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wakefield
$57,672
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wakefield earn a median starting salary of $57,672, which is $22,672 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,508 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,582 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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