College Costs in Phoenix, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 72 colleges in Phoenix, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,467
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$22,100
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,154
per month
Colleges & Universities
72
institutions
Phoenix Overview
Population
1,608,139
Student Population
118,169 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
152 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
71/100
Transit Score
72/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Phoenix
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,996
Total After Financial Aid
$108,996
Annual Cost
$27,249
Annual After Aid
$27,249
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,996 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,238 |
| Total Interest | $39,519 |
| Total Loan Cost | $148,515 |
Universities in Phoenix
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Public | $12,467 |
| Grand Canyon University | Private | $17,800 |
| University of Advancing Technology | Private | $26,400 |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | Community | $2,580 |
Phoenix has 72 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Phoenix vs. National Average
| Category | Phoenix | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,467 | $10,940 | +$1,527 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,154 | $1,050 | +$1,104 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 100 | +52 |
Phoenix'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 Phoenix
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Excellent Transit
Student Population
118,169 students
Phoenix has a total population of 1,608,139, with approximately 118,169 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Phoenix offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Phoenix
$63,839
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Phoenix earn a median starting salary of $63,839, which is $28,839 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,996 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,630 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arizona
Tucson
24 colleges · Avg tuition $7,664
Mesa
31 colleges · Avg tuition $12,467
Chandler
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,605
Gilbert
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,758
Glendale
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,652
Scottsdale
16 colleges · Avg tuition $2,580
Tempe
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,467
Yuma
8 colleges · Avg tuition $2,580
Flagstaff
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,966
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities