College Costs in Payson, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Payson, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,101
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Payson Overview
Population
16,253
Student Population
2,045 (12.6%)
Cost of Living Index
103.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Payson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,936
Total After Financial Aid
$99,936
Annual Cost
$24,984
Annual After Aid
$24,984
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,936 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,135 |
| Total Interest | $36,234 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,170 |
Universities in Payson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Payson State University | Public | $10,566 |
| Payson Community College | Community | $5,157 |
Payson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Payson vs. National Average
| Category | Payson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,101 | $1,050 | +$51 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.3 | 100 | +3.299999999999997 |
Payson's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Payson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,045 students
Payson has a total population of 16,253, with approximately 2,045 college students (12.6% of the population). Payson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Payson
$37,493
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~40 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Payson earn a median starting salary of $37,493, which is $2,493 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,936 (including room and board), it would take approximately 40 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,754 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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