College Costs in Amarillo, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Amarillo, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,030
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,100
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,096
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Amarillo Overview
Population
200,393
Student Population
19,912 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
108 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Amarillo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$72,784
Total After Financial Aid
$72,784
Annual Cost
$18,196
Annual After Aid
$18,196
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $72,784 |
| Monthly Payment | $826 |
| Total Interest | $26,390 |
| Total Loan Cost | $99,174 |
Universities in Amarillo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Texas A&M University | Public | $9,030 |
| Amarillo College | Community | $2,604 |
Amarillo has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Amarillo vs. National Average
| Category | Amarillo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,030 | $10,940 | -$1,910 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,096 | $1,050 | +$46 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 100 | +8 |
Amarillo's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Amarillo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
19,912 students
Amarillo has a total population of 200,393, with approximately 19,912 college students (9.9% of the population). Amarillo has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Amarillo
$47,396
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Amarillo earn a median starting salary of $47,396, which is $12,396 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $72,784 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,360 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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