College Costs in Arlington, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Arlington, 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
$1,611
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Arlington Overview
Population
20,926
Student Population
2,531 (12.1%)
Cost of Living Index
115.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Arlington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,912
Total After Financial Aid
$102,912
Annual Cost
$25,728
Annual After Aid
$25,728
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,912 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,169 |
| Total Interest | $37,313 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,225 |
Universities in Arlington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington State University | Public | $11,171 |
| Arlington Community College | Community | $5,379 |
Arlington has 2 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) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,611 | $1,050 | +$561 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115.1 | 100 | +15.099999999999994 |
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
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,531 students
Arlington has a total population of 20,926, with approximately 2,531 college students (12.1% of the population). Arlington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arlington
$50,289
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arlington earn a median starting salary of $50,289, which is $15,289 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,912 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,693 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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