College Costs in Fairfax, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fairfax, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,086
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fairfax Overview
Population
24,019
Student Population
2,395 (10.0%)
Cost of Living Index
94.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Fairfax
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,512
Total After Financial Aid
$111,512
Annual Cost
$27,878
Annual After Aid
$27,878
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,512 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,266 |
| Total Interest | $40,432 |
| Total Loan Cost | $151,944 |
Universities in Fairfax
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax State University | Public | $13,307 |
| Fairfax Community College | Community | $4,902 |
Fairfax has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairfax vs. National Average
| Category | Fairfax | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,086 | $1,050 | +$36 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.8 | 100 | -5.200000000000003 |
Fairfax'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 Fairfax
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,395 students
Fairfax has a total population of 24,019, with approximately 2,395 college students (10.0% of the population). Fairfax has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairfax
$45,848
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairfax earn a median starting salary of $45,848, which is $10,848 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,512 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,872 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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