College Cost Planning in Ellensburg, WA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Ellensburg, Washington. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Ellensburg 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$8,721
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,993
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,490
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Ellensburg Overview
Population
20,977
Student Population
2,109 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
College Cost Calculator for Ellensburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,776
Total After Financial Aid
$105,776
Annual Cost
$26,444
Annual After Aid
$26,444
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,776 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,201 |
| Total Interest | $38,352 |
| Total Loan Cost | $144,128 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Ellensburg
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
2
Public tuition
$8,721
Private tuition
$34,993
Community college
$4,479
Cost of Living in Ellensburg vs. National Average
| Category | Ellensburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,721 | $10,940 | -$2,219 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,490 | $1,050 | +$440 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Ellensburg's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Ellensburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,109 students
Ellensburg has a total population of 20,977, with approximately 2,109 college students (10.1% of the population). Ellensburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ellensburg
$60,952
Starting Salary
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~4.1 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ellensburg earn a median starting salary of $60,952, which is $25,952 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.1 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,661 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
Bellingham
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,771
Kennewick
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,257
Cheney
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,139
Vancouver
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Bellevue
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Kent
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Ellensburg
How we compile Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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: Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg, WA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Ellensburg is $8,721. Private university tuition averages $34,993, and community college tuition averages $4,479. When room and board ($17,723/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $26,444.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Ellensburg, WA?
Ellensburg uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,109, which represents 10.1% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Ellensburg?
The average rent near college campuses in Ellensburg is approximately $1,490 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 104 (national average is 100), a walk score of 49, and a public transit score of 20. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Ellensburg?
College graduates in Ellensburg earn a median starting salary of $60,952. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%. With an average financial aid package of $8,661 per student and a 51% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Ellensburg, WA?
With a median starting salary of $60,952 and an average 4-year public university cost of $105,776 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.1 years. The 51% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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