College Costs in Dallas, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 82 colleges in Dallas, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,274
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$58,540
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,616
per month
Colleges & Universities
82
institutions
Dallas Overview
Population
1,304,379
Student Population
75,338 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
90/100
Transit Score
62/100
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
College Cost Calculator for Dallas
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,740
Total After Financial Aid
$100,740
Annual Cost
$25,185
Annual After Aid
$25,185
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,740 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,144 |
| Total Interest | $36,526 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,266 |
Universities in Dallas
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Dallas | Public | $14,032 |
| Southern Methodist University | Private | $58,540 |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | Public | $8,516 |
| Dallas College | Community | $2,220 |
Dallas has 82 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dallas vs. National Average
| Category | Dallas | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,274 | $10,940 | +$334 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,616 | $1,050 | +$566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Dallas's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Dallas
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
75,338 students
Dallas has a total population of 1,304,379, with approximately 75,338 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Dallas offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dallas
$56,048
Starting Salary
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dallas earn a median starting salary of $56,048, which is $21,048 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,740 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,498 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
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
Amarillo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $9,030
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