College Costs in Lake Stevens, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lake Stevens, 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
$1,626
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lake Stevens Overview
Population
41,120
Student Population
2,120 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
117.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Lake Stevens
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,796
Total After Financial Aid
$107,796
Annual Cost
$26,949
Annual After Aid
$26,949
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,796 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,224 |
| Total Interest | $39,084 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,880 |
Universities in Lake Stevens
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens State University | Public | $12,485 |
| Lake Stevens Community College | Community | $6,221 |
Lake Stevens has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lake Stevens vs. National Average
| Category | Lake Stevens | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,626 | $1,050 | +$576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 117.5 | 100 | +17.5 |
Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,120 students
Lake Stevens has a total population of 41,120, with approximately 2,120 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lake Stevens offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lake Stevens
$56,137
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lake Stevens earn a median starting salary of $56,137, which is $21,137 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,796 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,003 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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