College Costs in Mesquite, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Mesquite, 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
$720
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Mesquite Overview
Population
150,108
Student Population
7,505 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
92.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Mesquite
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,640
Total After Financial Aid
$96,640
Annual Cost
$24,160
Annual After Aid
$24,160
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,640 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,097 |
| Total Interest | $35,039 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,679 |
Universities in Mesquite
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mesquite State University | Public | $10,808 |
| University of Mesquite | Public | $11,881 |
| Mesquite Community College | Community | $5,670 |
Mesquite has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mesquite vs. National Average
| Category | Mesquite | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $720 | $1,050 | -$330 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.3 | 100 | -7.700000000000003 |
Mesquite's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Mesquite
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,505 students
Mesquite has a total population of 150,108, with approximately 7,505 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Mesquite offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mesquite
$38,144
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~31 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mesquite earn a median starting salary of $38,144, which is $3,144 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,640 (including room and board), it would take approximately 31 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,026 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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