College Costs in Cheney, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cheney, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,139
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$54,582
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,447
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cheney Overview
Population
12,441
Student Population
424 (3.4%)
Cost of Living Index
102 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cheney
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,376
Total After Financial Aid
$87,376
Annual Cost
$21,844
Annual After Aid
$21,844
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $992 |
| Total Interest | $31,680 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,056 |
Universities in Cheney
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington University | Public | $8,139 |
| Spokane Falls Community College Cheney | Community | $4,479 |
Cheney has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cheney vs. National Average
| Category | Cheney | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,139 | $10,940 | -$2,801 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,447 | $1,050 | +$397 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 100 | +2 |
Cheney's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cheney
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
424 students
Cheney has a total population of 12,441, with approximately 424 college students (3.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cheney offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cheney
$48,532
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cheney earn a median starting salary of $48,532, which is $13,532 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,996 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
Bellingham
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,771
Kennewick
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,257
Ellensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,721
Vancouver
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Bellevue
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Kent
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cheney
How we compile Cheney 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 Cheney 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: Cheney'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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