College Costs in Harlingen, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Harlingen, 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
$888
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Harlingen Overview
Population
65,665
Student Population
4,922 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
98.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Harlingen
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,100
Total After Financial Aid
$100,100
Annual Cost
$25,025
Annual After Aid
$25,025
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,100 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,137 |
| Total Interest | $36,294 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,394 |
Universities in Harlingen
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harlingen State University | Public | $11,687 |
| Harlingen Community College | Community | $5,663 |
Harlingen has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Harlingen vs. National Average
| Category | Harlingen | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $888 | $1,050 | -$162 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5 |
Harlingen's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Harlingen
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,922 students
Harlingen has a total population of 65,665, with approximately 4,922 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Harlingen offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Harlingen
$38,618
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~28 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Harlingen earn a median starting salary of $38,618, which is $3,618 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,100 (including room and board), it would take approximately 28 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,018 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
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities