Cost of going to college in Dundalk rises in 2024
Dundalk still the fourth cheapest student town in Ireland
With the new college year fast approaching, a study by Switcher.ie has revealed that the cost of going to college in Dundalk has increased by 2% in 2024, but it is still the fourth cheapest student town in Ireland.
According to the latest figures, in 2024, it costs €14,961 per year to go to college in Dundalk, 2% or €363 more per year than 2023. Soaring living costs have put increased pressure on hard-pressed students, who are now spending even more on accommodation and day-to-day living.
Nationally, this year, students eligible for free tuition fees can expect to spend an average of €15,632 on college — €536 more per year than in 2023. International students could fork out an average of €26,690 per annum, €924 more than last year.
Dundalk remained the fourth cheapest student county this year, costing €4,566 less than Dublin, the most expensive town. Dundalk was also the third cheapest on our list for student accommodation, costing an average of €552 per month, €406 less than Dublin per month.
A breakdown of the average costs for students in Dundalk is as follows:
- Total + fees per year: €14,961
- Average per month: €1,329
- Monthly cost increase: 2% (+€40)
- Accommodation: €552 per month.
- Groceries: €182 per month.
- Entertainment: €329 per month.
- Transport: €137 per month.
Letterkenny remains the cheapest student town in Ireland, costing €1,127 per month, €39 more per month than in 2023. Letterkenny, Sligo, and Waterford remain the top three cheapest towns while Dublin, Maynooth, and Cork are still the most expensive towns this year
Dublin, Cork, Maynooth, and Tralee had the highest jump in average college expenses this year, costing up to €168 more each month, on average. The report also shows that international students could fork out approximately €26,690 per annum, €924 more than last year.
For more, see the study results here.