College Costs in Watertown, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Watertown, 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
$1,464
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Watertown Overview
Population
36,048
Student Population
3,447 (9.6%)
Cost of Living Index
124 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Watertown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,128
Total After Financial Aid
$125,128
Annual Cost
$31,282
Annual After Aid
$31,282
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,128 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,421 |
| Total Interest | $45,368 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,496 |
Universities in Watertown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown State University | Public | $17,406 |
| Watertown Community College | Community | $6,075 |
Watertown has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Watertown vs. National Average
| Category | Watertown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,464 | $1,050 | +$414 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 100 | +24 |
Watertown'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 Watertown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,447 students
Watertown has a total population of 36,048, with approximately 3,447 college students (9.6% of the population). Watertown has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Watertown
$52,093
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watertown earn a median starting salary of $52,093, which is $17,093 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,128 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,966 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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