College Costs in Kennewick, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Kennewick, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,841
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$50,541
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,268
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Kennewick Overview
Population
82,693
Student Population
6,766 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
103 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Kennewick
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,808
Total After Financial Aid
$122,808
Annual Cost
$30,702
Annual After Aid
$30,702
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,808 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,394 |
| Total Interest | $44,527 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,335 |
Universities in Kennewick
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State University Tri-Cities | Public | $11,841 |
| Columbia Basin College | Community | $4,479 |
Kennewick has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kennewick vs. National Average
| Category | Kennewick | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,841 | $10,940 | +$901 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,268 | $1,050 | +$218 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3 |
Kennewick's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Kennewick
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,766 students
Kennewick has a total population of 82,693, with approximately 6,766 college students (8.2% of the population). Kennewick has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kennewick
$51,023
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kennewick earn a median starting salary of $51,023, which is $16,023 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,808 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,424 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
Bellingham
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,771
Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,257
Ellensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,721
Cheney
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,139
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