College Costs in Wilson, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Wilson, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$786
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Wilson Overview
Population
49,167
Student Population
3,519 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
94.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Wilson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,996
Total After Financial Aid
$88,996
Annual Cost
$22,249
Annual After Aid
$22,249
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,996 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,011 |
| Total Interest | $32,268 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,264 |
Universities in Wilson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson State University | Public | $9,617 |
| Wilson Community College | Community | $5,649 |
Wilson has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wilson vs. National Average
| Category | Wilson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $786 | $1,050 | -$264 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.7 | 100 | -5.299999999999997 |
Wilson's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Wilson
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,519 students
Wilson has a total population of 49,167, with approximately 3,519 college students (7.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wilson offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wilson
$32,580
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wilson earn a median starting salary of $32,580, which is -$2,420 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,996 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,710 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
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21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
Cary
7 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
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