College Costs in Mason, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mason, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mason Overview
Population
22,371
Student Population
3,055 (13.7%)
Cost of Living Index
95.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mason
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,744
Total After Financial Aid
$98,744
Annual Cost
$24,686
Annual After Aid
$24,686
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,744 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,121 |
| Total Interest | $35,802 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,546 |
Universities in Mason
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mason State University | Public | $11,655 |
| Mason Community College | Community | $5,009 |
Mason has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mason vs. National Average
| Category | Mason | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.5 | 100 | -4.5 |
Mason's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Mason
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,055 students
Mason has a total population of 22,371, with approximately 3,055 college students (13.7% of the population). Mason has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mason
$31,427
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mason earn a median starting salary of $31,427, which is -$3,573 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,744 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,582 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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