College Costs in Austin, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 30 colleges in Austin, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,448
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$31,126
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,384
per month
Colleges & Universities
30
institutions
Austin Overview
Population
978,908
Student Population
206,177 (21.1%)
Cost of Living Index
107 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
89/100
Transit Score
49/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Austin
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,044
Total After Financial Aid
$96,044
Annual Cost
$24,011
Annual After Aid
$24,011
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,044 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,091 |
| Total Interest | $34,823 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,867 |
Universities in Austin
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | Public | $11,448 |
| St. Edward's University | Private | $46,872 |
| Huston-Tillotson University | Private | $15,380 |
| Austin Community College | Community | $2,640 |
Austin has 30 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Austin vs. National Average
| Category | Austin | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,448 | $10,940 | +$508 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,384 | $1,050 | +$334 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 100 | +7 |
Austin'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 Austin
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
206,177 students
Austin has a total population of 978,908, with approximately 206,177 college students (21.1% of the population). As a major college town, Austin offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Austin
$45,959
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Austin earn a median starting salary of $45,959, which is $10,959 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,044 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,991 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
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
Amarillo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $9,030
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Austin
How we compile Austin 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 Austin 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: Austin'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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