College Costs in Mercer Island, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mercer Island, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,785
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mercer Island Overview
Population
25,748
Student Population
2,532 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
115.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mercer Island
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,052
Total After Financial Aid
$107,052
Annual Cost
$26,763
Annual After Aid
$26,763
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,052 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,216 |
| Total Interest | $38,814 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,866 |
Universities in Mercer Island
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer Island State University | Public | $12,078 |
| Mercer Island Community College | Community | $5,462 |
Mercer Island has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mercer Island vs. National Average
| Category | Mercer Island | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,785 | $1,050 | +$735 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115.9 | 100 | +15.900000000000006 |
Mercer Island's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Mercer Island
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,532 students
Mercer Island has a total population of 25,748, with approximately 2,532 college students (9.8% of the population). Mercer Island has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mercer Island
$44,138
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mercer Island earn a median starting salary of $44,138, which is $9,138 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,052 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,293 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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