College Costs in El Paso, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 38 colleges in El Paso, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,886
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$12,800
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,227
per month
Colleges & Universities
38
institutions
El Paso Overview
Population
678,815
Student Population
26,186 (3.9%)
Cost of Living Index
93 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
82/100
Transit Score
45/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for El Paso
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,356
Total After Financial Aid
$91,356
Annual Cost
$22,839
Annual After Aid
$22,839
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,356 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,037 |
| Total Interest | $33,123 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,479 |
Universities in El Paso
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at El Paso | Public | $8,592 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso | Public | $9,180 |
| Western Technical College | Private | $12,800 |
| El Paso Community College | Community | $2,616 |
El Paso has 38 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in El Paso vs. National Average
| Category | El Paso | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,886 | $10,940 | -$2,054 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,227 | $1,050 | +$177 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 100 | -7 |
El Paso'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 El Paso
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
26,186 students
El Paso has a total population of 678,815, with approximately 26,186 college students (3.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, El Paso offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in El Paso
$42,037
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in El Paso earn a median starting salary of $42,037, which is $7,037 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,356 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,714 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
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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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