College Costs in Bay City, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bay City, 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
$801
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bay City Overview
Population
17,614
Student Population
977 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
84.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Bay City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,300
Total After Financial Aid
$96,300
Annual Cost
$24,075
Annual After Aid
$24,075
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,093 |
| Total Interest | $34,916 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,216 |
Universities in Bay City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City State University | Public | $11,620 |
| Bay City Community College | Community | $5,167 |
Bay City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bay City vs. National Average
| Category | Bay City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $801 | $1,050 | -$249 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.1 | 100 | -15.900000000000006 |
Bay City'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 Bay City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
977 students
Bay City has a total population of 17,614, with approximately 977 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bay City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bay City
$37,172
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~44 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bay City earn a median starting salary of $37,172, which is $2,172 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,300 (including room and board), it would take approximately 44 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,086 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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