College Costs in McLean, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in McLean, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,107
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
McLean Overview
Population
48,115
Student Population
3,974 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
104.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for McLean
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,860
Total After Financial Aid
$115,860
Annual Cost
$28,965
Annual After Aid
$28,965
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,316 |
| Total Interest | $42,008 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,868 |
Universities in McLean
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McLean State University | Public | $15,270 |
| McLean Community College | Community | $5,748 |
McLean has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McLean vs. National Average
| Category | McLean | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,107 | $1,050 | +$57 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.9 | 100 | +4.900000000000006 |
McLean's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in McLean
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,974 students
McLean has a total population of 48,115, with approximately 3,974 college students (8.3% of the population). McLean has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McLean
$47,397
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McLean earn a median starting salary of $47,397, which is $12,397 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,046 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $23,628
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