College Costs in Arlington, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Arlington, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$795
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Arlington Overview
Population
394,266
Student Population
20,069 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
93.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
77/100
Transit Score
54/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Arlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,108
Total After Financial Aid
$102,108
Annual Cost
$25,527
Annual After Aid
$25,527
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,108 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,159 |
| Total Interest | $37,022 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,130 |
Universities in Arlington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington State University | Public | $11,254 |
| University of Arlington | Public | $12,320 |
| Arlington Community College | Community | $5,331 |
| Texas Technical College - Arlington | Community | $5,252 |
Arlington has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arlington vs. National Average
| Category | Arlington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $795 | $1,050 | -$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.5 | 100 | -6.5 |
Arlington'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 Arlington
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
20,069 students
Arlington has a total population of 394,266, with approximately 20,069 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Arlington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arlington
$33,083
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arlington earn a median starting salary of $33,083, which is -$1,917 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,108 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,822 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
Houston
90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
San Antonio
58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
Plano
9 colleges · Avg tuition $2,220
Lubbock
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Irving
23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
Laredo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Arlington
How we compile Arlington 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 Arlington 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: Arlington'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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