College Costs in Pasco, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Pasco, 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
$1,530
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Pasco Overview
Population
77,571
Student Population
5,299 (6.8%)
Cost of Living Index
111.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Pasco
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,620
Total After Financial Aid
$104,620
Annual Cost
$26,155
Annual After Aid
$26,155
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,620 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,188 |
| Total Interest | $37,933 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,553 |
Universities in Pasco
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pasco State University | Public | $12,278 |
| Pasco Community College | Community | $6,181 |
Pasco has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pasco vs. National Average
| Category | Pasco | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,530 | $1,050 | +$480 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 100 | +11.299999999999997 |
Pasco'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 Pasco
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,299 students
Pasco has a total population of 77,571, with approximately 5,299 college students (6.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Pasco offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pasco
$49,041
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pasco earn a median starting salary of $49,041, which is $14,041 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,620 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,654 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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