College Costs in Centralia, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Centralia, 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
$1,524
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Centralia Overview
Population
18,504
Student Population
2,496 (13.5%)
Cost of Living Index
112.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Centralia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,460
Total After Financial Aid
$109,460
Annual Cost
$27,365
Annual After Aid
$27,365
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,460 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,243 |
| Total Interest | $39,688 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,148 |
Universities in Centralia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Centralia State University | Public | $11,704 |
| Centralia Community College | Community | $6,033 |
Centralia has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Centralia vs. National Average
| Category | Centralia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,524 | $1,050 | +$474 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.2 | 100 | +12.200000000000003 |
Centralia'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 Centralia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,496 students
Centralia has a total population of 18,504, with approximately 2,496 college students (13.5% of the population). Centralia has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Centralia
$46,789
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Centralia earn a median starting salary of $46,789, which is $11,789 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,460 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,851 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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