College Costs in Bellaire, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bellaire, 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
$681
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bellaire Overview
Population
18,971
Student Population
2,785 (14.7%)
Cost of Living Index
88.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Bellaire
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,036
Total After Financial Aid
$97,036
Annual Cost
$24,259
Annual After Aid
$24,259
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,036 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,102 |
| Total Interest | $35,183 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,219 |
Universities in Bellaire
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bellaire State University | Public | $9,981 |
| Bellaire Community College | Community | $5,208 |
Bellaire has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bellaire vs. National Average
| Category | Bellaire | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $681 | $1,050 | -$369 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.1 | 100 | -11.900000000000006 |
Bellaire'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 Bellaire
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,785 students
Bellaire has a total population of 18,971, with approximately 2,785 college students (14.7% of the population). Bellaire has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bellaire
$37,470
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~39 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bellaire earn a median starting salary of $37,470, which is $2,470 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,036 (including room and board), it would take approximately 39 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,768 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 Bellaire
How we compile Bellaire 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 Bellaire 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: Bellaire'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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