College Costs in Monroe, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Monroe, 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
$1,410
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Monroe Overview
Population
20,606
Student Population
1,030 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Monroe
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,700
Total After Financial Aid
$106,700
Annual Cost
$26,675
Annual After Aid
$26,675
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,700 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,212 |
| Total Interest | $38,687 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,387 |
Universities in Monroe
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe State University | Public | $12,716 |
| Monroe Community College | Community | $5,485 |
Monroe has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Monroe vs. National Average
| Category | Monroe | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,410 | $1,050 | +$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Monroe'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 Monroe
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,030 students
Monroe has a total population of 20,606, with approximately 1,030 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Monroe offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Monroe
$38,658
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~29 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Monroe earn a median starting salary of $38,658, which is $3,658 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,700 (including room and board), it would take approximately 29 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,494 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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