College Housing Costs: Dorms vs Off-Campus Apartments 2026

Cheap midwestern and southern college towns: shared off-campus houses usually win. Expensive coastal flagship markets: on-campus dorms are often the bargain. Mid-tier markets the totals land within $1–2k/year and choice is lifestyle-driven.

Most four-year publics and privates have a first-year on-campus residency requirement. Exemptions exist for commuting from parent home within a radius, married students, age, or other criteria.

Purpose-built student apartment buildings near campus often offer 9–10 month individual leases. Private-market landlords typically require 12-month leases; subletting the summer is the workaround.

Yes. Universities use different COA figures for on-campus, off-campus, and at-home housing; higher COA increases maximum student loan borrowing allowed that year.

Use the student living expense calculator on EdCost and enter the full stack: rent/dorm charge + utilities, food, internet, insurance, parking, laundry, commuting, and move-in costs for both scenarios.