College Costs in Odessa, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Odessa, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,716
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$41,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$719
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Odessa Overview
Population
114,441
Student Population
12,017 (10.5%)
Cost of Living Index
101 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Odessa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$76,536
Total After Financial Aid
$76,536
Annual Cost
$19,134
Annual After Aid
$19,134
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $76,536 |
| Monthly Payment | $869 |
| Total Interest | $27,750 |
| Total Loan Cost | $104,286 |
Universities in Odessa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Permian Basin Odessa | Public | $8,716 |
| Odessa College | Community | $2,604 |
Odessa has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Odessa vs. National Average
| Category | Odessa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,716 | $10,940 | -$2,224 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $719 | $1,050 | -$331 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 100 | +1 |
Odessa's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Odessa
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,017 students
Odessa has a total population of 114,441, with approximately 12,017 college students (10.5% of the population). Odessa has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Odessa
$47,708
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Odessa earn a median starting salary of $47,708, which is $12,708 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $76,536 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,038 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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