College Costs in Kirkland, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Kirkland, 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
$1,857
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Kirkland Overview
Population
92,175
Student Population
5,940 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
116.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Kirkland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,644
Total After Financial Aid
$107,644
Annual Cost
$26,911
Annual After Aid
$26,911
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,644 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,222 |
| Total Interest | $39,029 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,673 |
Universities in Kirkland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland State University | Public | $11,254 |
| Kirkland Community College | Community | $5,769 |
Kirkland has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kirkland vs. National Average
| Category | Kirkland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,857 | $1,050 | +$807 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.3 | 100 | +16.299999999999997 |
Kirkland'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 Kirkland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,940 students
Kirkland has a total population of 92,175, with approximately 5,940 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kirkland offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kirkland
$42,036
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kirkland earn a median starting salary of $42,036, which is $7,036 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,644 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,890 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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