College Costs in Houston, MO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Houston, Missouri. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$720
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Houston Overview
Population
19,838
Student Population
1,011 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
91.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Houston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,244
Total After Financial Aid
$98,244
Annual Cost
$24,561
Annual After Aid
$24,561
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,244 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,116 |
| Total Interest | $35,621 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,865 |
Universities in Houston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Houston State University | Public | $9,304 |
| Houston Community College | Community | $5,572 |
Houston has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Houston vs. National Average
| Category | Houston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $720 | $1,050 | -$330 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.7 | 100 | -8.299999999999997 |
Houston'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 Houston
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,011 students
Houston has a total population of 19,838, with approximately 1,011 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Houston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Houston
$31,536
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Houston earn a median starting salary of $31,536, which is -$3,464 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,244 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,266 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Missouri
Kansas City
44 colleges · Avg tuition $11,602
St. Louis
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,343
Springfield
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,210
Columbia
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,142
Cape Girardeau
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,093
Warrensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,298
Rolla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Independence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
Lee's Summit
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
OFallon
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Joseph
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
St. Charles
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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