College Costs in Grand Prairie, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Grand Prairie, 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
$795
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Grand Prairie Overview
Population
196,100
Student Population
11,773 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
93.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Grand Prairie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,436
Total After Financial Aid
$95,436
Annual Cost
$23,859
Annual After Aid
$23,859
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,436 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,084 |
| Total Interest | $34,603 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,039 |
Universities in Grand Prairie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prairie State University | Public | $10,712 |
| University of Grand Prairie | Public | $9,448 |
| Grand Prairie Community College | Community | $5,844 |
Grand Prairie has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Grand Prairie vs. National Average
| Category | Grand Prairie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $795 | $1,050 | -$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.8 | 100 | -6.200000000000003 |
Grand Prairie'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 Grand Prairie
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
11,773 students
Grand Prairie has a total population of 196,100, with approximately 11,773 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Grand Prairie offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Grand Prairie
$39,106
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Grand Prairie earn a median starting salary of $39,106, which is $4,106 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,436 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,206 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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