College Costs in Waterville, ME 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Waterville, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$819
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Waterville Overview
Population
16,604
Student Population
1,185 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
103.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Waterville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,784
Total After Financial Aid
$107,784
Annual Cost
$26,946
Annual After Aid
$26,946
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,224 |
| Total Interest | $39,080 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,864 |
Universities in Waterville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Waterville State University | Public | $13,267 |
| Waterville Community College | Community | $5,878 |
Waterville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waterville vs. National Average
| Category | Waterville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $819 | $1,050 | -$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.2 | 100 | +3.200000000000003 |
Waterville's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Waterville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,185 students
Waterville has a total population of 16,604, with approximately 1,185 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Waterville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waterville
$28,596
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waterville earn a median starting salary of $28,596, which is -$6,404 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,158 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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