College Costs in Dickinson, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Dickinson, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$723
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Dickinson Overview
Population
20,981
Student Population
2,854 (13.6%)
Cost of Living Index
86.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Dickinson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,336
Total After Financial Aid
$98,336
Annual Cost
$24,584
Annual After Aid
$24,584
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,336 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,117 |
| Total Interest | $35,654 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,990 |
Universities in Dickinson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | Public | $11,784 |
| Dickinson Community College | Community | $5,215 |
Dickinson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dickinson vs. National Average
| Category | Dickinson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $723 | $1,050 | -$327 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.1 | 100 | -13.900000000000006 |
Dickinson'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 Dickinson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,854 students
Dickinson has a total population of 20,981, with approximately 2,854 college students (13.6% of the population). Dickinson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dickinson
$38,355
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
~29 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dickinson earn a median starting salary of $38,355, which is $3,355 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,336 (including room and board), it would take approximately 29 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,560 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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