College Cost Planning in Dallas, TX 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Dallas, Texas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Dallas as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,274
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$58,540
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,616
per month
Local Cost Market
82
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Dallas
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
82
Public tuition
$11,274
Private tuition
$58,540
Community college
$2,220
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
~4.8 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.8 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $14,498 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Dallas
How we compile Dallas 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 Dallas 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: Dallas'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Dallas, TX?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Dallas is $11,274. Private university tuition averages $58,540, and community college tuition averages $2,220. When room and board ($13,911/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $25,185.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Dallas, TX?
Dallas uses approximately 82 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 75,338, which represents 5.8% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Dallas?
The average rent near college campuses in Dallas is approximately $1,616 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 104 (national average is 100), a walk score of 90, and a public transit score of 62. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Dallas?
College graduates in Dallas earn a median starting salary of $56,048. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%. With an average financial aid package of $14,498 per student and a 73% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Dallas, TX?
With a median starting salary of $56,048 and an average 4-year public university cost of $100,740 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.8 years. The 73% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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