College Costs in Anacortes, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Anacortes, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,515
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Anacortes Overview
Population
17,231
Student Population
2,788 (16.2%)
Cost of Living Index
113.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Anacortes
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,752
Total After Financial Aid
$106,752
Annual Cost
$26,688
Annual After Aid
$26,688
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,752 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,212 |
| Total Interest | $38,706 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,458 |
Universities in Anacortes
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Anacortes State University | Public | $12,561 |
| Anacortes Community College | Community | $5,562 |
Anacortes has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Anacortes vs. National Average
| Category | Anacortes | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,515 | $1,050 | +$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113.7 | 100 | +13.700000000000003 |
Anacortes'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 Anacortes
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,788 students
Anacortes has a total population of 17,231, with approximately 2,788 college students (16.2% of the population). As a major college town, Anacortes offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Anacortes
$38,062
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~35 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Anacortes earn a median starting salary of $38,062, which is $3,062 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,752 (including room and board), it would take approximately 35 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,659 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
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Bellingham
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Kennewick
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Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
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Walla Walla
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Ellensburg
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Anacortes
How we compile Anacortes 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 Anacortes 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: Anacortes'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
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