College Costs in Mesa, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 31 colleges in Mesa, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,467
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,100
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,543
per month
Colleges & Universities
31
institutions
Mesa Overview
Population
504,258
Student Population
36,638 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
110 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
73/100
Transit Score
41/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mesa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,976
Total After Financial Aid
$101,976
Annual Cost
$25,494
Annual After Aid
$25,494
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,976 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,158 |
| Total Interest | $36,974 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,950 |
Universities in Mesa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Polytechnic | Public | $12,467 |
| A.T. Still University | Private | $42,500 |
| Benedictine University Mesa | Private | $29,700 |
| Mesa Community College | Community | $2,580 |
Mesa has 31 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mesa vs. National Average
| Category | Mesa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,467 | $10,940 | +$1,527 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,543 | $1,050 | +$493 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 100 | +10 |
Mesa'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 Mesa
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
36,638 students
Mesa has a total population of 504,258, with approximately 36,638 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Mesa offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mesa
$56,990
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mesa earn a median starting salary of $56,990, which is $21,990 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,976 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,459 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arizona
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,966
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