College Costs in Lacey, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Lacey, 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
$1,629
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Lacey Overview
Population
55,440
Student Population
2,999 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
113.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lacey
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,388
Total After Financial Aid
$108,388
Annual Cost
$27,097
Annual After Aid
$27,097
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,388 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,231 |
| Total Interest | $39,299 |
| Total Loan Cost | $147,687 |
Universities in Lacey
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lacey State University | Public | $12,893 |
| Lacey Community College | Community | $6,130 |
Lacey has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lacey vs. National Average
| Category | Lacey | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,629 | $1,050 | +$579 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113.3 | 100 | +13.299999999999997 |
Lacey'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 Lacey
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,999 students
Lacey has a total population of 55,440, with approximately 2,999 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lacey offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lacey
$50,350
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lacey earn a median starting salary of $50,350, which is $15,350 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,388 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,542 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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