College Costs in Kent, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Kent, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,440
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Kent Overview
Population
136,588
Student Population
7,508 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
115.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
35/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Kent
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,932
Total After Financial Aid
$104,932
Annual Cost
$26,233
Annual After Aid
$26,233
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,932 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,191 |
| Total Interest | $38,046 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,978 |
Universities in Kent
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kent State University | Public | $12,886 |
| University of Kent | Public | $10,829 |
| Kent Community College | Community | $5,759 |
Kent has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kent vs. National Average
| Category | Kent | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,440 | $1,050 | +$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115.8 | 100 | +15.799999999999997 |
Kent'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 Kent
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,508 students
Kent has a total population of 136,588, with approximately 7,508 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kent offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kent
$38,787
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~28 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kent earn a median starting salary of $38,787, which is $3,787 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,932 (including room and board), it would take approximately 28 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,467 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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