College Costs in Gainesville, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Gainesville, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$738
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Gainesville Overview
Population
16,002
Student Population
1,050 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
93.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Gainesville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,480
Total After Financial Aid
$96,480
Annual Cost
$24,120
Annual After Aid
$24,120
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,480 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,096 |
| Total Interest | $34,981 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,461 |
Universities in Gainesville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville State University | Public | $10,361 |
| Gainesville Community College | Community | $5,815 |
Gainesville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gainesville vs. National Average
| Category | Gainesville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $738 | $1,050 | -$312 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.8 | 100 | -6.200000000000003 |
Gainesville'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 Gainesville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,050 students
Gainesville has a total population of 16,002, with approximately 1,050 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gainesville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gainesville
$35,199
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~485 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gainesville earn a median starting salary of $35,199, which is $199 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,480 (including room and board), it would take approximately 485 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,797 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
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30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
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19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
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26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
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