College Costs in Westerly, RI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Westerly, Rhode Island. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$984
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Westerly Overview
Population
22,787
Student Population
1,274 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
95.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Westerly
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,248
Total After Financial Aid
$117,248
Annual Cost
$29,312
Annual After Aid
$29,312
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,331 |
| Total Interest | $42,511 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,759 |
Universities in Westerly
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Westerly State University | Public | $14,490 |
| Westerly Community College | Community | $5,280 |
Westerly has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Westerly vs. National Average
| Category | Westerly | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,800 | $10,940 | +$3,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $984 | $1,050 | -$66 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.3 | 100 | -4.700000000000003 |
Westerly's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Westerly
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,274 students
Westerly has a total population of 22,787, with approximately 1,274 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Westerly offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Westerly
$39,547
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~26 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Westerly earn a median starting salary of $39,547, which is $4,547 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 26 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,501 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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