College Costs in Mountlake Terrace, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Mountlake Terrace, 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
$1,653
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Mountlake Terrace Overview
Population
21,282
Student Population
2,895 (13.6%)
Cost of Living Index
110.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Mountlake Terrace
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,160
Total After Financial Aid
$105,160
Annual Cost
$26,290
Annual After Aid
$26,290
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,160 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,194 |
| Total Interest | $38,128 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,288 |
Universities in Mountlake Terrace
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mountlake Terrace State University | Public | $12,179 |
| Mountlake Terrace Community College | Community | $5,813 |
Mountlake Terrace has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Mountlake Terrace vs. National Average
| Category | Mountlake Terrace | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,653 | $1,050 | +$603 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.4 | 100 | +10.400000000000006 |
Mountlake Terrace'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 Mountlake Terrace
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,895 students
Mountlake Terrace has a total population of 21,282, with approximately 2,895 college students (13.6% of the population). Mountlake Terrace has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Mountlake Terrace
$48,252
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Mountlake Terrace earn a median starting salary of $48,252, which is $13,252 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,160 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,326 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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