College Costs in Arlington, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Arlington, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,040
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Arlington Overview
Population
238,643
Student Population
12,825 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
142.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Arlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,972
Total After Financial Aid
$121,972
Annual Cost
$30,493
Annual After Aid
$30,493
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,972 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,385 |
| Total Interest | $44,224 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,196 |
Universities in Arlington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington State University | Public | $14,920 |
| University of Arlington | Public | $14,115 |
| Arlington Community College | Community | $6,397 |
| Virginia Technical College - Arlington | Community | $5,927 |
Arlington has 9 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) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,040 | $1,050 | +$990 |
| Cost of Living Index | 142.5 | 100 | +42.5 |
Arlington'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 Arlington
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
12,825 students
Arlington has a total population of 238,643, with approximately 12,825 college students (5.4% 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
$80,803
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arlington earn a median starting salary of $80,803, which is $45,803 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,972 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,637 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Virginia
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,210
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12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,558
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,571
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $14,676
Alexandria
8 colleges · Avg tuition $14,726
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
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