College Costs in Houston, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 90 colleges in Houston, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$56,280
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,459
per month
Colleges & Universities
90
institutions
Houston Overview
Population
2,304,580
Student Population
71,513 (3.1%)
Cost of Living Index
115 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
69/100
Transit Score
71/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Houston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,880
Total After Financial Aid
$94,880
Annual Cost
$23,720
Annual After Aid
$23,720
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,880 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,077 |
| Total Interest | $34,401 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,281 |
Universities in Houston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | Public | $11,164 |
| Rice University | Private | $56,280 |
| Texas Southern University | Public | $9,236 |
| Houston Community College | Community | $2,688 |
Houston has 90 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 | $1,459 | $1,050 | +$409 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 100 | +15 |
Houston's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Houston
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Excellent Transit
Student Population
71,513 students
Houston has a total population of 2,304,580, with approximately 71,513 college students (3.1% 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
$51,937
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Houston earn a median starting salary of $51,937, which is $16,937 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,880 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,081 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
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
Amarillo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $9,030
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