College Costs in Olympia, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Olympia, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,148
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,827
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,054
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Olympia Overview
Population
55,605
Student Population
4,220 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
118 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Olympia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,996
Total After Financial Aid
$88,996
Annual Cost
$22,249
Annual After Aid
$22,249
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,996 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,011 |
| Total Interest | $32,268 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,264 |
Universities in Olympia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| The Evergreen State College | Public | $8,148 |
| South Puget Sound Community College | Community | $4,479 |
Olympia has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Olympia vs. National Average
| Category | Olympia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,148 | $10,940 | -$2,792 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,054 | $1,050 | +$4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118 | 100 | +18 |
Olympia'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 Olympia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,220 students
Olympia has a total population of 55,605, with approximately 4,220 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Olympia offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Olympia
$64,911
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Olympia earn a median starting salary of $64,911, which is $29,911 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,996 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,480 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
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Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
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Ellensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,721
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