College Costs in Brownsville, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Brownsville, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,416
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,593
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$868
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Brownsville Overview
Population
186,738
Student Population
16,943 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
83 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
College Cost Calculator for Brownsville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$81,980
Total After Financial Aid
$81,980
Annual Cost
$20,495
Annual After Aid
$20,495
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $81,980 |
| Monthly Payment | $931 |
| Total Interest | $29,724 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,704 |
Universities in Brownsville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Public | $8,416 |
| Texas Southmost College | Community | $2,604 |
Brownsville has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brownsville vs. National Average
| Category | Brownsville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,416 | $10,940 | -$2,524 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $868 | $1,050 | -$182 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 100 | -17 |
Brownsville'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 Brownsville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
16,943 students
Brownsville has a total population of 186,738, with approximately 16,943 college students (9.1% of the population). Brownsville has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brownsville
$50,499
Starting Salary
6.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brownsville earn a median starting salary of $50,499, which is $15,499 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $81,980 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,908 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
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90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
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30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
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19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
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