College Costs in Watertown, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Watertown, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,179
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Watertown Overview
Population
25,710
Student Population
2,444 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
138.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Watertown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,540
Total After Financial Aid
$100,540
Annual Cost
$25,135
Annual After Aid
$25,135
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,540 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,142 |
| Total Interest | $36,453 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,993 |
Universities in Watertown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown State University | Public | $10,910 |
| Watertown Community College | Community | $5,804 |
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) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,179 | $1,050 | +$129 |
| Cost of Living Index | 138.7 | 100 | +38.69999999999999 |
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
2,444 students
Watertown has a total population of 25,710, with approximately 2,444 college students (9.5% 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
$41,398
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watertown earn a median starting salary of $41,398, which is $6,398 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,540 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,971 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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