College Costs in Denton, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Denton, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,242
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,576
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,020
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Denton Overview
Population
139,869
Student Population
12,014 (8.6%)
Cost of Living Index
81 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Denton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,124
Total After Financial Aid
$92,124
Annual Cost
$23,031
Annual After Aid
$23,031
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,124 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,046 |
| Total Interest | $33,402 |
| Total Loan Cost | $125,526 |
Universities in Denton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | Public | $11,452 |
| Texas Woman's University | Public | $9,032 |
| North Central Texas College | Community | $2,220 |
Denton has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Denton vs. National Average
| Category | Denton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,242 | $10,940 | -$698 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,020 | $1,050 | -$30 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81 | 100 | -19 |
Denton's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Denton
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,014 students
Denton has a total population of 139,869, with approximately 12,014 college students (8.6% of the population). Denton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Denton
$45,448
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Denton earn a median starting salary of $45,448, which is $10,448 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,124 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,064 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
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90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
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30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
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19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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Corpus Christi
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
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