College Costs in Pendleton, OR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Pendleton, Oregon. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,230
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Pendleton Overview
Population
16,612
Student Population
1,819 (10.9%)
Cost of Living Index
109.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Pendleton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,484
Total After Financial Aid
$105,484
Annual Cost
$26,371
Annual After Aid
$26,371
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,198 |
| Total Interest | $38,246 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,730 |
Universities in Pendleton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pendleton State University | Public | $12,509 |
| Pendleton Community College | Community | $6,111 |
Pendleton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pendleton vs. National Average
| Category | Pendleton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,400 | $10,940 | +$1,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,230 | $1,050 | +$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.3 | 100 | +9.299999999999997 |
Pendleton'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 Pendleton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,819 students
Pendleton has a total population of 16,612, with approximately 1,819 college students (10.9% of the population). Pendleton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pendleton
$38,296
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~32 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pendleton earn a median starting salary of $38,296, which is $3,296 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 32 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,240 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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