College Costs in Mercedes, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mercedes, 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
$711
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mercedes Overview
Population
17,154
Student Population
973 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
95.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Mercedes
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,232
Total After Financial Aid
$102,232
Annual Cost
$25,558
Annual After Aid
$25,558
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,232 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,161 |
| Total Interest | $37,067 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,299 |
Universities in Mercedes
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes State University | Public | $10,155 |
| Mercedes Community College | Community | $5,410 |
Mercedes has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mercedes vs. National Average
| Category | Mercedes | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $711 | $1,050 | -$339 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.2 | 100 | -4.799999999999997 |
Mercedes's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Mercedes
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
973 students
Mercedes has a total population of 17,154, with approximately 973 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Mercedes offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mercedes
$36,757
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~58 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mercedes earn a median starting salary of $36,757, which is $1,757 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,232 (including room and board), it would take approximately 58 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,499 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
Houston
90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
San Antonio
58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
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
Laredo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities