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College Cost Planning in Woonsocket, RI 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Woonsocket as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$14,800

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$42,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$675

per month

Local Cost Market

2

benchmark points

Woonsocket Overview

Population

43,240

Student Population

2,175 (5.0%)

Cost of Living Index

98.5 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

36/100

Transit Score

20/100

Unemployment Rate

4.5%

College Cost Calculator for Woonsocket

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$111,052

Total After Financial Aid

$111,052

Annual Cost

$27,763

Annual After Aid

$27,763

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$59,200
Room & Board$51,852

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$111,052
Monthly Payment$1,261
Total Interest$40,265
Total Loan Cost$151,317

Education Cost Benchmarks in Woonsocket

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

2

Public tuition

$14,800

Private tuition

$42,000

Community college

$5,240

Cost of Living in Woonsocket vs. National Average

CategoryWoonsocketNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$14,800$10,940+$3,860
Monthly Rent Near Campus$675$1,050-$375
Cost of Living Index98.5100-1.5

Woonsocket's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in Woonsocket

36

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

20

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.0%

Student Population

2,175 students

Woonsocket has a total population of 43,240, with approximately 2,175 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Woonsocket offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Woonsocket

$25,267

Starting Salary

4.5%

Unemployment Rate

53%

Graduation Rate

Review

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Woonsocket earn a median starting salary of $25,267, which is $9,733 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $11,507 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Rhode Island

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Woonsocket

How we compile Woonsocket college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Woonsocket institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Woonsocket's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in Woonsocket, RI?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Woonsocket is $14,800. Private university tuition averages $42,000, and community college tuition averages $5,240. When room and board ($12,963/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $27,763.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Woonsocket, RI?

Woonsocket uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,175, which represents 5.0% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Woonsocket?

The average rent near college campuses in Woonsocket is approximately $675 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 98.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 36, and a public transit score of 20. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Woonsocket?

College graduates in Woonsocket earn a median starting salary of $25,267. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%. With an average financial aid package of $11,507 per student and a 53% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Woonsocket, RI?

With a median starting salary of $25,267 and an average 4-year public university cost of $111,052 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.

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