College Costs in El Mirage, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in El Mirage, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,137
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
El Mirage Overview
Population
35,680
Student Population
3,522 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
102.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for El Mirage
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,052
Total After Financial Aid
$102,052
Annual Cost
$25,513
Annual After Aid
$25,513
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,052 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,159 |
| Total Interest | $37,002 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,054 |
Universities in El Mirage
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| El Mirage State University | Public | $11,650 |
| El Mirage Community College | Community | $5,172 |
El Mirage has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in El Mirage vs. National Average
| Category | El Mirage | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,137 | $1,050 | +$87 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.3 | 100 | +2.299999999999997 |
El Mirage's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in El Mirage
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,522 students
El Mirage has a total population of 35,680, with approximately 3,522 college students (9.9% of the population). El Mirage has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in El Mirage
$35,810
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~126 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in El Mirage earn a median starting salary of $35,810, which is $810 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,052 (including room and board), it would take approximately 126 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,750 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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