College Costs in Waterbury, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Waterbury, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,980
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,350
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,717
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Waterbury Overview
Population
114,403
Student Population
6,526 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
140 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Waterbury
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,408
Total After Financial Aid
$122,408
Annual Cost
$30,602
Annual After Aid
$30,602
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,390 |
| Total Interest | $44,382 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,790 |
Universities in Waterbury
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Post University | Private | $30,350 |
| Naugatuck Valley Community College | Community | $4,920 |
Waterbury has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waterbury vs. National Average
| Category | Waterbury | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,980 | $10,940 | +$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,717 | $1,050 | +$667 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 100 | +40 |
Waterbury'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 Waterbury
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,526 students
Waterbury has a total population of 114,403, with approximately 6,526 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Waterbury offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waterbury
$61,723
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waterbury earn a median starting salary of $61,723, which is $26,723 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,720 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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