College Costs in Fort Worth, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 19 colleges in Fort Worth, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,870
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,547
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,344
per month
Colleges & Universities
19
institutions
Fort Worth Overview
Population
918,915
Student Population
59,223 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
101 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
86/100
Transit Score
44/100
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Worth
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,468
Total After Financial Aid
$84,468
Annual Cost
$21,117
Annual After Aid
$21,117
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,468 |
| Monthly Payment | $959 |
| Total Interest | $30,626 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,094 |
Universities in Fort Worth
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University | Private | $54,620 |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Private | $32,474 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Public | $10,870 |
| Tarrant County College | Community | $2,220 |
Fort Worth has 19 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fort Worth vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Worth | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,870 | $10,940 | -$70 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,344 | $1,050 | +$294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 100 | +1 |
Fort Worth's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Fort Worth
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
59,223 students
Fort Worth has a total population of 918,915, with approximately 59,223 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fort Worth offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Worth
$50,612
Starting Salary
5.7%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Worth earn a median starting salary of $50,612, which is $15,612 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,468 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,933 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
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
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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