College Costs in Abilene, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Abilene, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,236
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$37,715
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,016
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Abilene Overview
Population
123,676
Student Population
4,629 (3.7%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Abilene
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$74,220
Total After Financial Aid
$74,220
Annual Cost
$18,555
Annual After Aid
$18,555
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $74,220 |
| Monthly Payment | $843 |
| Total Interest | $26,910 |
| Total Loan Cost | $101,130 |
Universities in Abilene
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene Christian University | Private | $42,250 |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Private | $33,180 |
| Cisco College Abilene | Community | $2,604 |
Abilene has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Abilene vs. National Average
| Category | Abilene | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,236 | $10,940 | -$3,704 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,016 | $1,050 | -$34 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
Abilene'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 Abilene
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,629 students
Abilene has a total population of 123,676, with approximately 4,629 college students (3.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Abilene offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Abilene
$41,477
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Abilene earn a median starting salary of $41,477, which is $6,477 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $74,220 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,320 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
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90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
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30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
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19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
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