College Cost Planning in Alexandria, VA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Alexandria, Virginia. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Alexandria 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$14,726
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,924
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$930
per month
Local Cost Market
8
benchmark points
Alexandria Overview
Population
159,467
Student Population
17,315 (10.9%)
Cost of Living Index
102 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Alexandria
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,984
Total After Financial Aid
$95,984
Annual Cost
$23,996
Annual After Aid
$23,996
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,984 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,090 |
| Total Interest | $34,801 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,785 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Alexandria
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
8
Public tuition
$14,726
Private tuition
$40,924
Community college
$5,340
Cost of Living in Alexandria vs. National Average
| Category | Alexandria | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,726 | $10,940 | +$3,786 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $930 | $1,050 | -$120 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 100 | +2 |
Alexandria's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Alexandria
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
17,315 students
Alexandria has a total population of 159,467, with approximately 17,315 college students (10.9% of the population). Alexandria has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Alexandria
$48,986
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~6.9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Alexandria earn a median starting salary of $48,986, which is $13,986 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 6.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,142 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Virginia
Virginia Beach
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,210
Chesapeake
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,558
Norfolk
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,571
Richmond
11 colleges · Avg tuition $14,676
Hampton
7 colleges · Avg tuition $7,217
Lynchburg
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,181
Harrisonburg
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,458
Charlottesville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $19,584
Blacksburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $14,726
Fredericksburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,886
Williamsburg
3 colleges · Avg tuition $23,628
Lexington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $19,476
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Alexandria
How we compile Alexandria 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Alexandria institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Alexandria's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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 Alexandria, VA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Alexandria is $14,726. Private university tuition averages $40,924, and community college tuition averages $5,340. When room and board ($9,270/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,996.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria uses approximately 8 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 17,315, which represents 10.9% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Alexandria?
The average rent near college campuses in Alexandria is approximately $930 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 102 (national average is 100), a walk score of 50, and a public transit score of 22. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Alexandria?
College graduates in Alexandria earn a median starting salary of $48,986. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%. With an average financial aid package of $8,142 per student and a 74% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Alexandria, VA?
With a median starting salary of $48,986 and an average 4-year public university cost of $95,984 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 6.9 years. The 74% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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