College Costs in Pasadena, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Pasadena, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Pasadena Overview
Population
152,272
Student Population
9,178 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
88.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Pasadena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,392
Total After Financial Aid
$99,392
Annual Cost
$24,848
Annual After Aid
$24,848
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,392 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,129 |
| Total Interest | $36,037 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,429 |
Universities in Pasadena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadena State University | Public | $10,249 |
| University of Pasadena | Public | $12,075 |
| Pasadena Community College | Community | $5,344 |
Pasadena has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pasadena vs. National Average
| Category | Pasadena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5 |
Pasadena'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 Pasadena
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,178 students
Pasadena has a total population of 152,272, with approximately 9,178 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Pasadena offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pasadena
$29,718
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pasadena earn a median starting salary of $29,718, which is -$5,282 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,392 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,306 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
Houston
90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
San Antonio
58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
Plano
9 colleges · Avg tuition $2,220
Lubbock
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Irving
23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
Laredo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
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