College Costs in Burien, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Burien, 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
$1,836
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Burien Overview
Population
53,100
Student Population
3,788 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
119 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Burien
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,820
Total After Financial Aid
$103,820
Annual Cost
$25,955
Annual After Aid
$25,955
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,820 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,179 |
| Total Interest | $37,643 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,463 |
Universities in Burien
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Burien State University | Public | $12,621 |
| Burien Community College | Community | $5,633 |
Burien has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Burien vs. National Average
| Category | Burien | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,836 | $1,050 | +$786 |
| Cost of Living Index | 119 | 100 | +19 |
Burien'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 Burien
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,788 students
Burien has a total population of 53,100, with approximately 3,788 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Burien offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Burien
$49,320
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Burien earn a median starting salary of $49,320, which is $14,320 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,820 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,800 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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