College Cost Planning in Houston, TX 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Houston, Texas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Houston as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$56,280
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,459
per month
Local Cost Market
90
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Houston
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
90
Public tuition
$10,200
Private tuition
$56,280
Community college
$2,688
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
~5.6 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 5.6 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $13,081 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Houston
How we compile Houston college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Houston institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Houston's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Houston, TX?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Houston is $10,200. Private university tuition averages $56,280, and community college tuition averages $2,688. When room and board ($13,520/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,720.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Houston, TX?
Houston uses approximately 90 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 71,513, which represents 3.1% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Houston?
The average rent near college campuses in Houston is approximately $1,459 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 115 (national average is 100), a walk score of 69, and a public transit score of 71. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Houston?
College graduates in Houston earn a median starting salary of $51,937. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%. With an average financial aid package of $13,081 per student and a 72% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Houston, TX?
With a median starting salary of $51,937 and an average 4-year public university cost of $94,880 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 5.6 years. The 72% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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