DegreeCalc

College Cost Planning in Anacortes, WA 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Anacortes, Washington. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Anacortes 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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

$11,800

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$40,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$1,515

per month

Local Cost Market

2

benchmark points

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)

Tuition$47,200
Room & Board$59,552

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

Education Cost Benchmarks in Anacortes

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

2

Public tuition

$11,800

Private tuition

$40,000

Community college

$5,562

Cost of Living in Anacortes vs. National Average

CategoryAnacortesNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$11,800$10,940+$860
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,515$1,050+$465
Cost of Living Index113.7100+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

46

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

19

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

16.2%

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

~34.9 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 34.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,659 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Washington

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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Anacortes institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Anacortes's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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 Anacortes, WA?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Anacortes is $11,800. Private university tuition averages $40,000, and community college tuition averages $5,562. When room and board ($14,888/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $26,688.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Anacortes, WA?

Anacortes uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,788, which represents 16.2% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Anacortes?

The average rent near college campuses in Anacortes is approximately $1,515 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 113.7 (national average is 100), a walk score of 46, and a public transit score of 19. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Anacortes?

College graduates in Anacortes earn a median starting salary of $38,062. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%. With an average financial aid package of $8,659 per student and a 54% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Anacortes, WA?

With a median starting salary of $38,062 and an average 4-year public university cost of $106,752 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 34.9 years. The 54% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

Related Calculators

Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.

Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.

Browse All Cities