College Costs in West Haven, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in West Haven, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,167
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
West Haven Overview
Population
54,666
Student Population
3,930 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
108.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for West Haven
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,704
Total After Financial Aid
$119,704
Annual Cost
$29,926
Annual After Aid
$29,926
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,704 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,359 |
| Total Interest | $43,402 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,106 |
Universities in West Haven
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Haven State University | Public | $16,170 |
| West Haven Community College | Community | $5,560 |
West Haven has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Haven vs. National Average
| Category | West Haven | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,167 | $1,050 | +$117 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.8 | 100 | +8.799999999999997 |
West Haven'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 West Haven
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,930 students
West Haven has a total population of 54,666, with approximately 3,930 college students (7.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, West Haven offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Haven
$45,376
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Haven earn a median starting salary of $45,376, which is $10,376 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,704 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,624 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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