College Costs in McAllen, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in McAllen, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,416
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,487
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,087
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
McAllen Overview
Population
142,210
Student Population
15,352 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
100 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
64/100
Transit Score
39/100
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
College Cost Calculator for McAllen
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,884
Total After Financial Aid
$87,884
Annual Cost
$21,971
Annual After Aid
$21,971
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,884 |
| Monthly Payment | $998 |
| Total Interest | $31,865 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,749 |
Universities in McAllen
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley McAllen | Public | $8,416 |
| South Texas College | Community | $2,604 |
McAllen has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McAllen vs. National Average
| Category | McAllen | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,416 | $10,940 | -$2,524 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,087 | $1,050 | +$37 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 | 0 |
McAllen's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in McAllen
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
15,352 students
McAllen has a total population of 142,210, with approximately 15,352 college students (10.8% of the population). McAllen has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McAllen
$42,729
Starting Salary
5.5%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McAllen earn a median starting salary of $42,729, which is $7,729 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,884 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,381 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
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90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
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58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
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82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
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30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
Plano
9 colleges · Avg tuition $2,220
Lubbock
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Irving
23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
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