College Costs in Lexington, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lexington, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$19,476
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,060
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$707
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lexington Overview
Population
7,446
Student Population
425 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
97 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Lexington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,736
Total After Financial Aid
$118,736
Annual Cost
$29,684
Annual After Aid
$29,684
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,736 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,348 |
| Total Interest | $43,051 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,787 |
Universities in Lexington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Washington and Lee University | Private | $60,060 |
| Virginia Military Institute | Public | $19,476 |
| Dabney S. Lancaster Community College | Community | $5,340 |
Lexington has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lexington vs. National Average
| Category | Lexington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $19,476 | $10,940 | +$8,536 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $707 | $1,050 | -$343 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 100 | -3 |
Lexington's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Lexington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
425 students
Lexington has a total population of 7,446, with approximately 425 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lexington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lexington
$43,011
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lexington earn a median starting salary of $43,011, which is $8,011 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,736 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,411 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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